It was a broad sweep effort to deal with crime, fire, flytipping and homelesness.

About 50 people from a range of agencies massed into Dover town centre yesterday to focus on problems in the area.

Operation Clean Sweep, led the Dover District Community Safety Partnership, focused on Dover Town and Pencester Gardens.

The day was part of our ongoing work among community safety partners to continue to support regeneration in the town, to listen to local people's concerns, and to keep Dover district a safe place to live, work and visit.

Enforcement action will be taken when needed and areas of particular concern revisited.

Partners involved in the day included: waste, environmental health, community safety and housing teams from Dover District Council and community wardens, inclusion and attendance officers, and early help officers from Kent County Council.

There were also members of Kent Fire and Rescue Service; Kent Police, Port of Dover Police, the homelessness charity Porchlight;, the health and social care group Turning Point; and Kent Community Health.

Problems dealt with that day were residential and commercial fire safety problems, trade waste and fly tipping.

Homeless people were also met and offered advice and support and the area around the Stembrook toilets was cleared.

A total 78 residents’ and 21 business surveys were also completed for the Market Square redevelopment proposals.

Cllr MJ Holloway, DDC cabinet member for community services, and chairman of the DDCSP, said: “We were very pleased with the success of the day, which was a great opportunity to continue our partnership work to support the regeneration of Dover Town Centre.

"The turn out on the day from partners was impressive and a high number of residents and visitors were spoken to and given advice and reassurance on community safety issues.

"The day was not just about enforcement, it was also about community engagement."

Sgt Neil Mennie from Kent Police said: “We want communities to know we are there for them and to see us working to identify and robustly tackle issues raised.

"Agencies benefited from the engagement during the operation, and gained information that will help us continue to support local communities.”

For more information visit the Community Safety Partnership page on the Dover District Council website.

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