MORE PROBLEMS TACKLED BY CLEANSWEEP IN MARGATE

The latest Cleansweep operation has seen a prohibition notice served on a property in Margate, with empty acetylene cylinders found at another.

The council run operation is staffed by officers from the council’s Enforcement Services and Planning teams, as well as Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Pipeline Youth volunteers, Community Payback, and wardens from Kent County Council.

In the latest operation, the team visited 110 properties in total, with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service issuing a prohibition notice to stop people living in a storage area above a shop in Margate. The owner of the property has confirmed that alternative accommodation will be found and the council will be monitoring the situation and issuing a planning enforcement notice if it happens again.

The Kent Fire and Rescue Service are dealing with the owners of another property, which has unsafe railings, with further health and safety checks being carried out. Fire safety information was also given out at two properties, which both had blocked fire escapes.

At the rear of another property, a set of empty acetylene cylinders was found, which are not considered to be dangerous. The owner has been given a week to remove them and if they are not removed in this time, further action will be taken by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the council’s street scene enforcement team.

Notices were handed out to two premises, which had piles of rubbish at the back of the properties. The notices give the owners a chance to clean up the rubbish and, if this does not happen, the council will then take enforcement action.

A total of 52 trade waste licences were checked at various businesses and those who did not hold valid licences will have a return visit from the council. Seven parking tickets were also issued. An issue was also raised with council officers about people parking on areas that have been licensed for tables and chairs. This will be taken further by the council.

Community Payback cleared three alleyways, with volunteers from Pipeline tackling another three alleyways.

Cllr. Clive Hart, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Regulatory Services, said: “Our team have once again uncovered a number of issues that need dealing with, showing the value of our Cleansweep operations. Our officers have got a great response from the public during the latest operation, with many people saying that they liked to see such a heavy presence of officers in the town.”

For more information or to report any concerns, please call 01843 577065.