CLEAN SWEEPING UP ISSUES IN MARGATE

The latest Operation Clean Sweep in Margate has seen rubbish cleared away, fire safety checks made, truancy sweeps, restaurant inspections and breaches of housing legislation uncovered.

The operation, which is run by Thanet District Council, also brought in officers from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the UK Border Agency, Kent County Council and Kent Police.

Volunteers from Pipeline were on hand and cleared rubbish from alleyways, waste land and car parking areas at Cliff Terrace, Dane Road, Dane Hill Grove, Dane Hill Row, Booth Place, Margate High Street and Grosvenor Place. The council’s waste team also removed dumped furniture and rubbish.

The team tackled addresses in central Margate and the Old Town over a two day period this week (Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 September), with several properties due for a re-visit. Breaches of housing legislation were found, which could lead to prosecution, while 50 benefit checks were also made. Businesses were also inspected, with 25 trade waste licences checked and two restaurants visited.

A total of 25 fire safety checks were made, with several planned fire alarm installations made. Truancy checks saw 15 forms completed for children not in school, while two people were arrested for immigration offences by the UK Border Agency.

Two cars were reported to the DVLA for invalid tax in Trinity Square, with two cars moved on and one advisory note issued for parking in Margate High Street.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Clean Sweep remains the most visible and effective way agencies and the public co-operate. When Clean Sweep comes to your area, the community feels supported and encouraged to conduct their lives in ways that enhance, rather than hinder their neighbours’ lives.”