News


downsmail.co.uk Flytipping rise ‘tip of iceberg’


THE scourge of flytipping has worsened considerably in the borough, according to Government figures. Defra has revealed that in Maid-


stone the rise is more than 31% in a single year to 2019/2020, from 1,634 to 2,402.


Now a respected landowners’ lobbying body has called on local authorities, such as Maidstone Bor- ough Council which enforces legal action against offenders, to step up action.


The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) says the Defra figures only reflect crimes on pub- lic land, but do not include those on private property.


CLA president Mark Bridge- man said: “While these figures are alarming, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Cases of flytipping on privately-owned land are signifi- cantly more than on public land


Traffic levels


MAIDSTONE resident Kevin Do- herty (71), who has been monitor- ing traffic levels near his A274 Sutton Road home in the latest lockdown, is not convinced there is any difference.


He said: “It's tremendously busy. I don't think there's been any change.”


Festive funds TEENAGER Callum Dunne, who


covered his house in Christmas decorations, raised nearly £400 for the Maidstone Day Centre, which helps rough sleepers. Callum (14), who attends the Malling School, intends to add to the 10,000 lights adorning his home in Queen Elizabeth Square.


Vaccine plea MP Helen Grant has joined other


black MPs in calling for people to have the COVID-19 vaccine. In a video, the members shared experiences of the virus in a bid to boost take-up. There are concerns those in ethnic minorities may be reluctant to have the jab.


Bridge repairs


REPAIRS to the Medway bridge at The Broadway caused by a car which smashed into it in January have been completed.


The 14th century structure was dented by the impact.


8


so these government figures do not reflect the true scale of this type of organised crime, which blights our rural communities.” Despite options of fines of up to £50,000 or a year in jail, few local authorities ever enforce them fully, he said.


Independent borough councillor Eddie Powell is “concerned but unsurprised” by the latest figures. Cllr Powell said: “The council has to be cleverer than they are. Using CCTV effectively would soon pay for itself.” Anti-flytipping campaigner Simon Webb, of Hunton, said: “Round my way in the rural areas of Coxheath, Hunton, Linton and the Farleighs, we need to have a much bigger team deterring and


enforcing this scourge. This has to be seen to be followed through courts with the heaviest fines im- posed, with the borough council supported by police and PCSOs in deeds and not just words.” An MBC spokesman said: “Our


waste crime team issued (in 2020) 17 £400 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for the offence of flytipping and 11 £300 FPNs for duty of care offences committed by the origina- tor(s) of the waste, and prosecuted one offender last year for the of- fence of flytipping. “We have actively encouraged members of the public to report flytipping, which can also create duplication of reports. MBC will continue to take action against fly- tippers where evidence allows.”


Kent Life’s sad farewell to Tasha


KENT Life staff said their final goodbyes to Tasha the Shire horse who died recently of old age. Tasha, who was aged 26, was


put to sleep on January 28 after health complications. She is in the centre of our picture. One staffer said: “To probably


the biggest hoof-print left on my heart. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you the past three and a half years. “Thank you for blowing your bubbles on me daily and being the biggest 2,000lb softie a girl could ask to work with. “If only love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”


Farmer’s woodland res banned


A BOXLEY farmer has been or- dered to stop using an area of an- cient woodland to store and burn rubbish.


Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) was granted an interim High Court injunction to cease il- legal waste disposal and restore the site, which is in an area of out- standing natural beauty. Langley Frank Beck, of Bell Lane, has been told he must stop using the land to store caravans, vehicles, building material, green waste, scrap metal or other waste. MBC went to the High Court


last month after Mr Beck ignored an enforcement notice despite several visits from the council, po- lice and fire service. Boxley ward councillor Bob


Hinder said he was delighted by MBC’s action and declared it was a long time coming. He added: “It is clear unlawful


and potentially criminal activities have been occurring on the site regularly. The site has signifi- cantly expanded in recent years. “It appears it has become a focus for illegal waste dumping and burning. It is a highly pro-


tected site. Residents will be re- lieved to know steps have been taken to get it stopped.” James Bailey, MBC’s planning and development manager, said any breach of the order could lead to a fine, imprisonment and assets being seized. A final hearing is due to be held at which Mr Beck or his legal rep- resentatives can produce evidence in defence. There have been many com- plaints about activities at the site including the burning of cars, buses and caravans.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48