Villagers are set to endure a “necessary evil” stench for the next 18 months as the removal of 35,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste finally begins.

Some 20 lorry loads a day are expected to begin clearing the Hoads Wood site in Ashford which has been described as a “desolate wasteland” plagued by 12ft high mounds of rotting rubbish.

Residents first reported suspicious activity when trucks were seen driving on and off the land and tipping loads at the site of special scientific interest (SSSI) in July 2023.

Now, fresh concerns have been raised over the stink set to be caused by the hazardous waste being transported from the four-acre site through the neighbouring village of Hothfield to the A20.

Kent Wildlife Trust has long campaigned for the site to be cleared and while bosses are grateful to see action take place, they acknowledge residents will face major disturbance.

Sally Smith, the charity’s advocacy manager, said: “We're absolutely delighted that the cleanup's going to start. It's been a really long time coming, but thank goodness the time has come.

“Unfortunately, it took a long time for that waste to get there and it's going to be a long time for it to be taken away.

“It is unfortunate it will cause disruption, but it's a nature haven, and hopefully, it can be restored to some form where it can be great for wildlife once more.

“At the moment, if you go to Hoads Wood, you can't get away from the smell. So, by taking that away, hopefully, in the long term, the community will be able to breathe clean air once again.”

Ms Smith added the charity would like to see the Environment Agency (EA) implement a nature restoration plan so a level of normality can be returned to the site.

But it is feared the area will never return to its original state.

Hothfield resident Vanessa Hillier agreed the mounds of waste needed to be addressed.

She added: “At the end of the day, it’s got to be cleared. The lorries are going to make the village so busy, especially at peak times, but it’s almost a necessary evil.

“What I can’t understand is why it’s taken so long to be sorted out. I know people who were reporting it at the time who saw the number of lorries coming through.

“But it’s got to be cleared, and I’m glad it's finally happening.”

As part of the works, which is finally due to begin on Tuesday, March 25, part of Bethersden Road is set to be closed until late summer 2026, south of the railway line in the vicinity of Hoads Wood.

A diversion will also be in place south of the junction with Pluckley Road and north of the junction with Sparrow Hatch Lane.

KentOnline exclusively reported on the illegal tip in January 2024 and visited the site.

Our reporter said the stench of rotting eggs was so strong, it felt as if he was being “slowly poisoned with each breath”.

Residents nearby said the once-thriving spot for wildlife had become a “desolate wasteland” and Kent Wildlife Trust called the situation an “environmental tragedy”.

Estimates have placed the cost of the clean-up to be between £10 million to £15 million.

Last month, three men were arrested in the EA’s continuing investigation into the illegal dumping.

Two of the men – aged 44 and 62 – are from the Isle of Sheppey, while the third, aged 41, lives near Sittingbourne.

They have all been released pending further investigation.

An EA spokesperson added: “This is organised crime. Criminals like these take advantage of the public and businesses who believe them to be removing their waste legitimately.

“They shamelessly dump it at beauty spots like Hoads Wood and others, spoiling the countryside, making it someone else’s problem to clear up – and make money from it.

“We will make sure those responsible will answer for their actions.”

Investigators continue to appeal for information relating to suspected waste crime.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 with any information received to be treated confidentially.