A plot of land becoming a hotbed for illegally dumped waste has been blocked off, with officials warning those accessing the site it is now a crime to do so.

The Environment Agency (EA) has locked a site on the northwest side of Swanton Lane, Sturry near Canterbury, in a bid to prevent further incidents.

It is now covered by a six-month restriction order, meaning anyone entering the land “without reasonable excuse or written permission” from the body would be committing a criminal offence.

A court order, obtained at Maidstone Magistrates Court on August 6, also prohibits tampering with the lock or notice.

Entry to the land has now been blocked, with a copy of the court order placed at the entrance.

Matt Higginson, Kent and South London area environment manager at the EA, said: “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.

“We inspect the site regularly and we have had a regular presence to disrupt the illegal dumping of waste at the site.

“Working with our partners at Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and Kent Police we have conducted multi-agency days of action to disrupt those responsible for the illegal dumping of commercial waste.

“The Environment Agency’s powers to stop waste crime include prosecuting those we believe are behind dumping waste illegally, which can lead to prison sentences. Among other measures, we can use court orders to close sites.

“We know illegal waste activity harms the environment and has a devastating effect on communities.

“While most waste sites are operated responsibly, we will take action against those who flout the law.”

Anyone entering the land without reasonable excuse or written permission from the Environment Agency, tampering with the lock or notice will be committing a criminal offence.

Access is prohibited to anyone except EA officials, emergency workers, statutory undertakers with equipment situated on the site or those with permission from EA.

This is the third site in Kent where the Environment Agency has restriction orders in force.

The others are at Hoads Wood near Ashford and Eastchurch Gap on the Isle Of Sheppey.