Dozens face court action in fly-tipping crackdown

Some of the items dumped included furniture and tyres

People allegedly caught in CCTV footage dumping rubbish - and pets - at a recycling point in Kent face fines and court action, a council says.

Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) said cameras were installed near the recycling point by Morrisons in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, after "multiple" complaints of fly-tipping.

Some of the items dumped over three weeks include furniture, tyres and household waste - and about 35 people now face action.

A council statement said: "The cameras have also captured incidents of indecent behaviour, criminal damage, and in one case a male abandoning several cats from a van, which have sadly not been found."

The council says in most cases, offenders are being issued with £1,000 fixed penalty fines, followed by court action if it is unpaid.

Although, those believed to be responsible for "a number of larger scale tips" will go straight to court.

'Public health risk'

Cabinet member for strategic environment Shane Mochrie-Cox said the level of fly-tipping at the site was "simply unacceptable".

“People need to understand they are committing an offence by dumping material next to the recycling bins"

He added: "If the bins are full, take your items home and try another time.”

The councillor explained that fly-tipping "presented a public health risk" and cost the council and its taxpayers a "substantial amount".

Mr Mochrie-Cox says the situation is "particularly frustrating" as Pepperhill Recycling Centre is a short drive away.