Illegal waste site in Kent closed down by the Environment Agency

A court order is in place prohibiting anyone from entering or depositing waste at Hoads Wood in Ashford

A large waste site in Kent has been closed down by the Environment Agency to prevent further illegal tipping.

A court order is in place prohibiting anyone from entering or depositing waste at Hoads Wood in Ashford.

The site's gate has been locked and concrete blocks placed to prevent access, the Environment Agency said.

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

Anyone entering the Site of Special Scientific Interest without reasonable excuse or written permission from the Environment Agency will be committing a criminal offence.

'Shocking and totally irresponsible'

Mr Higginson said the Environment Agency's priority was to protect 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," he said.

"To disrupt the illegal dumping of waste at the site, we inspect the site regularly, and working with Kent Police's Rural Task Force, we have had a regular presence in the Hoads Wood area, stopping waste carrier vehicles to check compliance."

Sgt Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police's Rural Task Force, said: "The size of this site and the amount of waste illegally dumped there is shocking and totally irresponsible.

"Fly-tipping is often linked to other forms of criminality and we are therefore assisting the Environment Agency and other partner agencies with their investigation and associated enforcement action."

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