Representatives from local authorities met earlier this month to raise awareness of current issues with members of the public.

A number of issues, including the killing of wildlife, illegal fishing, unauthorised swimming and the lighting of BBQs, at Leybourne Lakes Country Park and the surrounding area have been reported over the last few months, sparking the start of ‘Operation Orkney’.

The operation saw officers from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Kent Police, Kent County Council, Kent Fire and Rescue, and the Environment Agency meet at the lakes to discuss issues surrounding the country park.

On Saturday, July 18, five cars were fined for parking on double yellow lines, affecting access for emergency services, police seized drugs and cautioned a man for possession as well as asking a group of ten people to leave the site as they were swimming in the lake.

As incidents such as these have been rife during the warm weather, Orkney was launched to make people aware of the possible dangers.

In addition there has been illegal parking which has resulted in restricting access to the park for emergency vehicles.

As well as speaking to members of the public, the officers in attendance handed out leaflets explaining about water safety to make people aware of the dangers of swimming in lakes and river.

Cllr Brian Luker, Tonbridge and Malling’s cabinet member for community safety, said: "The temptation to cool off in public lakes, rivers, streams and ponds is high, especially for children and young adults but this can be very dangerous.

"The council and its partners were keen to carry out this awareness raising campaign just before the start of the school holidays. We are all keen to ensure that everyone can enjoy the holiday period in safety."

The Environment Agency also checked that the fishermen all had licences and were using the appropriate fishing equipment.