Environment Agency obtains a restriction order for site on Haine Industrial Estate. Court order prohibits anyone from entering the site without permission.
The Environment Agency has locked the site's gate, placed concrete blocks to prevent access and a placed a warning notice at the entrance of Units 26 and 27 at Leigh Road, Haine Industrial Estate in Newington.
This means anyone entering the land without reasonable excuse or written permission from the Environment Agency will be committing a criminal offence, as will anyone who tampers with the lock or notice.
The Environment Agency responded to reports from the public of 'baled' waste, which are bags full of shredded waste, and carried out a site visit on 4th March. They then moved quickly to obtain the order to shut the site down.
Matt Higginson, Environment Manager at the Environment Agency said:
This order follows on from the successful Restriction Orders we obtained at Eastchurch and Minister on the Isle of Sheppey and at Hoads Wood near Ashford, and shows we will act against those who flout the law.
We know illegal waste activity harms the environment and has a devastating effect on communities. Our priority is protecting the local community and environment. This order has been secured following the local community's concerns and the environmental impact of the tipping of waste at the site.
If people see or suspect illegal tipping of waste, they can report it to us on our 24/7 Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555111
Waste Crime Action Plan
Expanding the use of Restriction Orders is just one part of the new Waste Crime Action Plan that sets out a zero-tolerance approach, with action to prevent waste crime at its source by closing loopholes and equipping regulators with the tools they need to stop waste criminals.
Waste criminals across England face their toughest ever crackdown, as the government and Environment Agency unveiled a sweeping package of measures targeting illegal dumping, which includes strengthen the Environment Agency's enforcement powers and ensuring waste criminals face the consequences of their actions.
