As fly-tipping increases yet again, local campaigners highlight the scale of fly-tipping across our countryside. 

Coxheath campaigner, Simon Webb, has been railing against the scale of fly-tipping for many months now.  He believes the problem is under-reported and underestimated.  Simon says, "My wife and I walk the rural lanes daily and just yesterday we saw three separate incidents in Lughorse lane.  Enough is enough, as campaigners we must put pressure on MBC to act more swiftly and encourage less complacency."

Cllr. Louise Brice last week questioned the Chairman of Communities, Housing and Environment Committee, Cllr. Derek Mortimer, on how many fly-tipping offences had been reported and how many fines or notices had been issued in the ward of Staplehurst.  62 were reported, only 2 had fines or notices issued.  This shows the scale of the issue being faced. 

Simon Webb believes a three step approach is needed, including:

1)    A dedicated team who monitor ‘legitimate organisations’ who collect waste, to verify credentials

2)     A dedicated rural team to monitor the lanes and secure funding for monitoring by key vantage points

3)     Increase the fines ten fold for those caught fly tipping, to act as a real deterrent. 

Let us know what you think - is fly-tipping out of control in your area?