More than 400 people have signed a petition calling on Kent County Council (KCC) to abandon new tip charges.

It comes as the authority plans to make £4m by charging residents to dispose of building materials at the county's 18 household waste recycling centres.

These include paying £4 for a black bin bag of rubble and £6 for plasterboard, including at Pepperhill, in Station Road, Southfleet - near Gravesend.

However, the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association has rallied against the proposals, after an earlier consultation saw 85% of residents object.

Chairman of the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association (SGRA), Kent County Cllr Peter Harman, said: "I'm very concerned about the high risk of an increase in fly-tipping.

"It just doesn't make sense at all.

"KCC might save a small amount of money, but borough councils will have to pay more because they have to pay to clear up fly-tipping, which is a big problem across Kent.

"KCC did hold a consultation for residents, but cabinet members made the final decision.

"It never went before a full council, and I think the result may have been different if it had."

The policies come into force on Monday June 3 - you can sign the petition here.

Peter Harman (SGRA) is running as a candidate in the Dartford local elections for the Greenhithe and Knockhall ward alongside: Michael Ankrah (Lab), Natalie Boorman (Lab), Timothy Cook (Lab), Sue Butterfill (SGRA), Frederick Hunt (UKIP), Keith Kelly (Con), Maria Kelly (Con), David Mote (Con) and Jay Shah (SGRA).