A couple from Deal are campaigning to combat the problem of litter in Kent, which they say is “totally unacceptable” and “impossible to ignore”.

John and Sue Andrews, of Duke Street, have written to Dover District Council, Kent County Council, the Department for Environment (DEFRA), Food and Rural Affairs, the Highways Agency, the Kent Tourist Board and numerous town councils and parliamentary candidates.

They say: “We are appalled by the vast amounts of roadside litter throughout east Kent and in particular along the A2 from Dover to Canterbury. The amount of litter on the road verges has become totally unacceptable and seems to have accumulated over many months, if not years.”

The couple have suggested several solutions to the problem including providing more litter bins – including in laybys – introducing deposits on bottles and cans, putting a levy on all lorries entering the Port of Dover to generate income to pay for clean-up teams, more signs and educating children.

“Just one assembly per term plus one project per year would make a difference,” they say.

“We are convinced that schools and businesses would take up the challenge to liaise on education and recycling initiatives.”

They refer to litter not only deposited on the side of roads but also cigarette ends, dog litter and recycled goods found in streets.

Mr Andrews said: “This issue dominates our conversation every time we drive now, as it is impossible to ignore.”

The couple have already received several responses, but none so far from MP Charlie Elphicke, Labour candidate Clair Hawkins or DEFRA.

Mr Andrews said: “We were heartened and encouraged by a response to our email, within minutes, from Sarah Smith, the Lib Dem candidate and amazed that David Little, the Ukip parliamentary candidate, was able to give us two hours of his time.

“This has encouraged us to continue with our efforts. Supported by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, we will visit local schools to make our children aware of what they can do to keep our county free from litter.”

The couple were also delighted to hear from Dover mayor Pam Brivio, who informed them litter clearance of the verges on the A2 are scheduled to start today (Wednesday).

They are now asking others in the community to join them in registering their upset, and to encourage those responsible for clearing it up to step up.