News

More than 16 tonnes of household rubbish and scrap metal was collected in a successful community day at Dallas Brett Crescent and Keys Place in Folkestone on Wednesday (18 February).

The free collection was just part of the day which also saw hedge and tree cutting, public spaces cleaned and gardens cleared.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was on hand to give advice about home fire safety checks, two police constables and two PCSOs manned a mobile police station, and NHS outreach workers were available to give health advice.

A ‘clean-up gang’ of than 35, including PCSOs for East Folkestone, Janet Rumley and Michele Brady, council staff, and the Clean Kent team were joined by local residents and filled five trucks and four industrial skips with unwanted waste - ranging from old bikes and beds to mattresses and settees.

The East Folkestone PCSOs came up with the idea for the community day and the event itself was organised by the Shepway Community Safety Unit, which brings together Shepway District Council, Kent County Council, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

The Leader of Shepway Council, Cllr Robert Bliss, it had been a great example of local people getting together to support the various agencies involved.

“Community spirit was certainly in evidence throughout the day and people of all ages came forward to help. Young people, in particular, did a great job and showed loads of enthusiasm.”

PCSO Janet Rumley said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to all of the local residents who came out to help. It goes to show just how much can be achieved when we all work together.”

Free refreshments were provided for helpers by the CSU at a nearby church hall.

PCSOs Janet Rumley and Michelle Brady are part of the Shepway East Neighbourhood policing team.

PCSO Rumley can be contacted on 07989 992463 and PCSO Brady on 07772 226203.