CLEANING UP IN MARGATE

As the latest part of the on-going ‘Operation Cleansweep’ more than 200 residential properties and 40 Commercial properties have been visited in Margate Central.
Cleansweep is a multiagency approach to tackling a range of environmental problems in Thanet, such as dumped rubbish, fire safety risks, immigration offences, food safety concerns and planning issues.
On Thursday 17 January Cleansweep concentrated on a new target area of Hatfield, Westbrook and Canterbury Roads together with other roads adjacent to Margate station.
Cllr Michelle Fenner, Cabinet Member for Business, Corporate and Regulatory Services, said: “We want to make sure that Thanet is a pleasant and safe place for residents and visitors. A lack of consideration by just a few people can taint a whole area for everybody else. The teams found extensive dog fouling and have requested that the dog wardens specifically target this problem area. They also arranged for the ‘Fido’ machine to be brought in to help with clearing the dog mess.”
Rubbish dumped in alleyways and on footpaths was a further problem which was found and this was cleared by a team from Kent Probation Community Payback, while rubbish problems at some individual properties were addressed and advice given.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service also offered advice to over 50 residents.
Two Planning Enforcement issues have been identified while Empty Property officers have been alerted to 4 buildings with dangerous structures.
Private Sector Housing have been alerted to two families living in damp and unsavoury conditions and The Education Welfare Officer was alerted to other problems.
A total of 6 parking tickets were issued too.
Residents were very supportive of the operation and have asked the team to return in the future.