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Chatham cemetery targeted by fly-tippers for second time in two weeks

16:43, 11 January 2022

updated: 18:26, 11 January 2022

A cemetery has been targeted by fly-tippers for the second time in two weeks.

A huge mound of rubbish was discovered at the graveyard in Maidstone Road, Chatham on Sunday and included building waste, wooden planks and black plastic sacks.

The second lot of rubbish dumped the cemetery
The second lot of rubbish dumped the cemetery

It was found just 12 days after another pile of rubbish was dumped at the same graveyard.

On December 28, horrified visitors found a door, more planks of wood, a cat carrier and other items had been left in the same part of the cemetery.

One woman who was visiting her family members' graves called the fly-tippers "scumbags".

She added: "I think it shows total disrespect for the dead and their loved ones.

"I think it's the same person as it was in the same place and the same type of rubbish - definitely a builder or someone working on a home.

"It is just pure laziness, as the recycling centre is about two miles away."

The first lot of rubbish was found at Maidstone Road Cemetery on December 28
The first lot of rubbish was found at Maidstone Road Cemetery on December 28

Ian Gilmore, Medway Council's head of regulatory services, said: “We are aware of two fly-tipping incidents at the Maidstone Road cemetery in Chatham.

"We are working with our contractors, Medway Norse, to remove the waste as quickly and safely as possible.

"All fly-tipping is unacceptable however, dumping waste in a cemetery where peoples loved ones have been buried is extremely disrespectful and upsetting.

"There is no excuse for fly-tipping, our environmental enforcement officers are looking into the matter and anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the team by calling 01634 333333.”

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