Neighbours of Kent's first waste incinerator are blaming it for swarms of flies which are plaguing their lives.

The owner of a restaurant in the Allington area is claiming that the problem is driving away customers.

The controversial Allington burner, designed to turn rubbish into electricity, had not been fully operational since it opened in summer 2006.

It has finally started processing trash again after being shut for nine months because of serious design flaws.

However, the flies have caused some customers to walk out of the Sir Thomas Wyatt Beefeater pub and restaurant, in London Road.

Manager Tris Whittingham said: "We don’t know for sure the flies are attracted by the incinerator, but the wind comes across the Downs right towards the pub.

“Some customers have walked out because it’s too much."

Sue Casey, owner of the Kits Coty Brasserie, Blue Bell Hill, said: "We weren’t really sure where the flies were coming from at first but it quite possibly is the incinerator."

A statement from Kent Enviropower, which runs the site, said: “Fly control measures are carried out on site as necessary. At this time of year the fly population tends to increase everywhere."

Full story in this week's Kent Messenger