Waste site at industrial unit closed by authorities

The Environment Agency has sealed off part of an industrial site in Kent after reports that bales of illegal waste were being kept there.

Concrete blocks have been placed across the entrance of units 26 and 27 of Haine Industrial Estate, Ramsgate, after a restriction order was granted by the courts.

Anyone who enters the site without a "reasonable" excuse or written permission from the Environment Agency will be committing an offence, the authority said.

Matt Higginson, an environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our priority is protecting the local community and environment.

Officers searched the premises on 4 March after receiving reports of "baled" waste, bags full of shredded rubbish.

Higginson said: "This order follows on from the successful restriction orders we obtained at Eastchurch and Minister on the Isle of Sheppey, and at Hoads Wood near Ashford, and shows we will act against those who flout the law.

"We know illegal waste activity harms the environment and has a devastating effect on communities. Our priority is protecting the local community and environment.

"This order has been secured following the local community's concerns and the environmental impact of the tipping of waste at the site."

Anyone who sees or suspects waste being dumped illegally should contact the Environment Agency or Crimestoppers.

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