Waste site closed after refuse stored illegally

A waste site has been shut down on the Isle of Sheppey after officers found refuse was being stored without the required permit.

The Environment Agency issued a restriction order for the site at Minster, to prevent anyone going on the land without permission.

Officers have locked the gate and placed concrete blocks and a warning notice at the entrance, to prevent access.

The agency said anyone going on the site without a reasonable excuse or written permission would be committing a criminal offence, as would anyone who tampered with the lock or notice.

Matt Higginson, environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We know illegal waste activity harms the environment and has a devastating effect on communities.

"Our priority is protecting the local community and environment."

He said Environment Agency officers, Kent Police and Swale Borough Council officers had visited the site.

An enforcement notice was served ordering operators to stop taking waste and clear the land, he added.

However, after inspections showed the land had not been cleared, the agency applied for and was granted the restriction order at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Restriction orders have previously been granted at two other sites, at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey and Hoads Wood near Ashford.

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