“Eyesore” fly-tipping has been dumped next to a town centre landmark in what a trader has called “laziness”.

The rubbish was left next to the Sheerness clock tower, and included a sofa, a door and a chest of drawers.

The 122-year-old structure is Grade II-listed and has been a focal point of the town as it connects the High Street and Broadway.

Zoe Spoor, who runs S&S Heating and Electrical with her dad Steven Spoor, saw the mess this morning on her way to work and says the fly-tipping “doesn’t paint the Island in a good light”.

“It’s an eyesore,” she added, “but not uncommon in the town.

“I had a customer complain to me the other day about an alley near Marine Parade which has loads of rubbish dumped there.

“People are just too lazy to go to the tip, which is less than 400 metres away from the clock tower.

“There’s no excuse for it as visitors to the Island normally come to Sheerness so it's not good for the area.”

Cllr Dolley Wooster (Lab), who represents Sheerness on Swale council, reported the tipping to Swale council on Wednesday, May 1.

It was cleared this morning (Friday, May 3).

She said: “There are rumours that the rubbish was left out for collection by a resident but when it is left in a public place it's important it is cleared straight away.

“It is a visitor location and we can’t have refuse left there.

“The council usually has a 10-day turnaround time on clearing fly-tipping so it is good that they have listened to local councillors to get it clearned so quickly.”

For more information on what waste you can now dispose of free of charge here.

Any incidents of fly-tipping can be reported on the council’s website or by calling 01795 417 850 especially if you have any video evidence or a number plate.

Swale council has been approached for more information.