A Bay farmer claims fly-tipping in Herne Bay has risen dramatically.

Parish councillor Andrew Brealy says he has to clear illegally-dumped rubbish from his land in Herne at least twice a month.

Removing it has cost him several thousand pounds – and the bill is rising all the time.

Cllr Brealy, of Herne and Broomfield parish council, claims it has been happening for the last two years and was worsened by the closure of Herne Bay tip.

He is calling on residents to be more vigilant and report offenders.

The 57-year-old, of Strode Farm, said: “It is not just me. All farmers have been suffering.

“As the price of landfill goes up, people are looking for ways to avoid the landfill charge.

“We need the public to report fly-tippers – it’s important. I can’t have eyes all over the place.

“People need to be more proactive. They need to take note of the vehicle doing it and report it to the police.”

This week Cllr Brealy had to remove a Mitsubishi pick-up truck abandoned in the middle of his land off Owl’s Hatch Road.

Other hotspots include his land at the back of Briary School and Broad Oak.

Cllr Brealy, who is chairman of developers Hollamby Estates, says restrictions on the waste people can take to the new recycling centre in Studd Hill are not helping the problem.

He said: “It caught a colleague of mine out, who had taken a trailer full of garden rubbish and was turned away.

“If that happens to people who are unscrupulous, they just find a quiet road to dump it.

“They are dumping illegally. Any householder who has work done in their garden needs to check the person taking their rubbish has a waste licence.

“What they are doing is fraudulent because it costs someone else money to clear up the mess.

“And what people don’t realise is if police can identify who the rubbish belongs to, then they are liable for the cost of removing the waste.”

Kent County Council spokesman John Todd said: “Overall, fly-tipping in Kent has been reduced by 60% over the last eight years.

“Fly-tipping is a criminal activity and offenders typically dump trade or business waste to avoid paying for legal disposal.

“This waste should be taken to licensed waste disposal sites and is not accepted at the Kent County Council household waste recycling centres.

“Kent County Council, working in partnership with other agencies, is committed to bringing fly-tippers to justice, so that Kent’s residents can enjoy a safe and beautiful county.

“Fly-tipping is an anti-social act and a criminal offence and we will not tolerate it.”

Police spokesman Jane Walker said: “To report fly-tipping in progress call Kent Police on 999.

“In all cases, give as much detail as possible: the location, vehicle registration and a description of the offender.”

Canterbury City Council organises bulky waste collections.

People can book to have items like sofas, washing machines and cookers taken away.

Call Serco on 0800 031 9091 for prices and availability.