POLICE have made the first arrest in Kent, and possibly the UK, under the newly enacted Clean Neighbourhood and Environments Act 2005.

Ian David Hibbert, 38, of Approach Road, Margate, has been charged with transporting waste, namely metal shelving and shop fittings, on July 2 to Old Minster Road and Broadley Road, Margate, for business purposes and without being registered.

He faces a further charge of depositing controlled waste, namely metal shelving and shop fittings, on Broadley Road, Margate, on July 2.

He was arrested at 7.30am on Wednesday morning. His van was also seized.

He has been bailed to appear at Margate magistrates court on Tuesday, July 19.

Sgt Gordon Etheridge, of Thanet Police, said: "This is believed to be the first arrest for this offence in the country since new laws came into force at the beginning of June.

"Fly tippers should be warned that carrying waste without a licence or dumping waste in the countryside can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to £50,000, and may lead to their vehicle and other assets being seized.

"Thanet Police has worked closely with Kent County Council’s Environmental Crime Team and wardens under the Clean Kent Campaign to achieve this arrest, which is likely to be the first of many."