by Hayley Robinson

Two men have been convicted of flytipping in Sittingbourne.

Troy Hanson, 34, of Pratling Street, Aylesford, and Dara McGoldrick, 35, of Mitchell Avenue, Chatham, pleaded guilty to five offences of illegally depositing waste.

The court heard how items such as timber, rubble and sacks were found dumped in Crown Quay Lane adjacent to Milton Creek on various dates between April and May 2010.

Both men claimed they had permission to deposit waste at the site but there was no environmental permit in force for the land and neither of the men had obtained a waste carriers licence.

Hanson and McGoldrick appeared before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where they each received a 12-month community order and were ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

They must also pay £1,250 each towards legal costs.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland, Kent County Council cabinet member for environment, highways and waste, said: "These sorts of environmental crimes not only blight our countryside, towns and villages but they also affect us all financially – because councils have to foot the bill to clear up the mess they leave behind.

"Flytipping is an anti-social act and a criminal offence. We will not tolerate it.

"Kent councils are committed to bringing fly tippers to justice, so that Kent’s residents can enjoy a safe and beautiful county."

Cllr David Simmons, Swale council’s cabinet member for environment, said: "Our residents tell us that ‘cleaner streets’ is a priority for them.

"By working closely with partners such as KCC, we can share resources and information, which certainly makes us more effective at catching fly tippers.

"These results show that we will take the necessary action against anyone depositing waste illegally."