Fly-tipping has risen by a fifth across the borough compared to a year ago, according to Swale council.

There were more than 100 cases in two months when assessed next to figures from the same period in 2019.

A spokesman for the authority confirmed between April 1 and May 31 there were 590 incidences of illegal dumping reported across Sheppey, Sittingbourne and Faversham.

Whereas in that time last year, there were just 485 cases of fly-tipping.

A council spokesman said: “So far there have already been more fixed penalty notices issued for waste related offences compared to the same period last year.”

An image shared last week by the council shows the extent to which alleyways and footpaths are being blighted by criminals.

A bike, boxes, a mattress, sink and cushions were among items ditched in an alleyway in a residential street in Marine Town, Sheerness.

The tweet said: “Alleyways are for walking along, not for dumping rubbish, dirty mattresses or broken bathroom sinks.

“We’ve had to clean this up in Marine Town, which costs us - and council tax payers - money to clean up.

“When we catch you, you’ll be getting a £400 fine for fly-tipping.”

Despite offenders being threatened with a £400 fine, the council said the clean up cost £500.

The spokesman added: “People who dump their rubbish in public walkways are selfish and create a dangerous environment for their neighbours.

"We’ve had to clean this up in Marine Town, which costs us."

“We have found some evidence in the rubbish left in the alley behind Wellesley and Alexandra Road and are investigating it.

“Rubbish was also found in the alley behind St Georges Avenue and Victoria Street, as well as Alma Road and Berridge Road down to Winstanley Road.”

Kent County Council’s tips were closed for seven weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, but reopened on May 15 to long queues under a booking system.

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Tim Valentine (Green), said: “We find a lot of fly-tipping arises from contact on social media and we would warn anyone to make sure people offering to take rubbish away has a valid waste carrier’s licence.”

The issue is not just confined to Sheerness. In Cromwell Road, off the Brielle Way, boxes had been discarded along the road.

To report fly-tipping, call Swale council on 01795 417850.

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