Thanet District Council investigates fly-tipping at Ramsgate Port
Published: 16:02, 13 July 2023
Updated: 16:09, 13 July 2023
A council is investigating “eyesore” fly-tipping at a traveller camp in a historic port.
It comes after a resident hit out at the state of the site in Ramsgate, where two families have lived since May 2021.
Thanet council have pledged to remove the heaps of rubbish, reportedly made up of hardcore and brick.
A resident, who does not wish to be named, noticed the mess while on a break from work.
The 42-year-old said: “It’s just an eyesore - it’s a blight.
The local is also concerned about the environmental impact of the waste.
“I’m worried it could be blown into the sea,” he explained.
“It only takes a bit of a gust. It gets really windy down there and things could start flying around and going into the sea and affecting local wildlife.”
Thanet District Council (TDC) is currently looking for an operator for Ramsgate’s port and is hoping to reinstate a cross-channel ferry service.
The resident pointed out: “Who’s going to want to come and run the port when it’s in that state?”
The group living at the Port of Ramsgate have been in the midst of an ongoing legal battle with the council.
In June 2021, Margate Magistrates' Court ordered TDC to provide a site and facilities for the traveller families.
This was done on welfare grounds due to the ill health of a baby, who tragically died, and a little girl.
Since then, despite the port being an agreed stopping point, several unsuccessful eviction attempts have been made by Thanet council.
Local councillors also previously raised concerns over “insanitary and inhumane” conditions.
A TDC spokesman said: “The council is aware of fly-tipping at the Port of Ramsgate.
“This incident is currently under investigation and it is not therefore possible to comment further at this time.
"The fly-tipped rubbish will be removed as soon as possible.”
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Millie Bowles