MINI CLEAN SWEEP RESULTS IN CLIFTONVILLE

The latest Operation Mini Clean Sweep in Cliftonville has seen two lorry loads of rubbish cleared, around 30 children discovered who were not in attendance at school and major issues of overcrowding in one property.

The one-day council led operation included officers from the council's planning, housing, waste and recycling teams, along with the council's community wardens. They were joined by Kent Fire and Rescue, Kent Police, the UK Border Agency and Education Welfare Officers, with help from volunteers at Pipeline.

Truancy sweeps discovered around 30 school age children who were not in attendance at school, with further action being considered against their parents. A total of two lorry loads of rubbish were also cleared from an alleyway by Pipeline.

A number of properties were visited during the sweep, with four unsupervised children found alone in a flat, who were handed over to social services.

Severe overcrowding was found in a two-bedroom flat, which was being used to house a total of nine people.

The council's housing team and Kent Fire and Rescue Service discovered three properties with fire alarms that were not working, while two further properties had no fire alarm at all. Other offences under the Housing and Criminal Acts are under further investigation.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "This proved to be another hugely successful Operation Mini Clean Sweep, identifying a range of issues that need tackling. Our officers will be working closely with our partners to ensure that happens. It's clear that these operations are needed, as they keep uncovering problems in Cliftonville, so we'll ensure that they continue throughout the year."