A fly-tipper was caught after leaving their own personal details in rubbish they had dumped in the town centre.

Former borough mayor Cllr Steve Worrall reported the waste to Swale council after spotting it in Hare Street, Sheerness.

Council street wardens investigated and found evidence among the garbage which linked it to a property in the area.

The person was spoken to and told to clear the rubbish themselves, which they did.

The pile included several items including two rotten mattresses, garden waste and even a toilet.

Cllr Worrall said: “This area is attracting dumping from people and it’s got to stop.

“It’s unattractive and just rotten. It makes your stomach turn over – that’s how bad it is.”

Nina Clancy, manager of the Lighthouse Coffee Shop in the nearby Hope Street Centre, said it has been an ongoing problem in the area and businesses are worried it will attract rats and mice.

"We are trying to keep it nice round here,” she said.

“It doesn’t look very good for people that are coming in to our car park and the first thing they see is the eyesore of all that rubbish.

“There’s always people that make it horrible for everyone else. It’s a real mess.”

A Swale council spokesman said that all offences of fly-tipping are taken seriously and legal action can be taken against offenders.

If found guilty, fly-tippers can be fined up to £50,000 and given a custodial sentence.

He said: “Our environmental response team officers will take action against anyone they see fly-tipping but we welcome reports of fly-tipping and any information that can lead us to the people responsible.”

• To report it, phone Swale council's customer services on 01795 417580 or via the council’s website