Welcomed first step to tackle waste crime
Published
Tuesday 25 August, 2026
Updated
Tuesday 25 August, 2026
Swale Borough Council welcomes a new national commitment to clear the illegal waste dump on Power Station Road on the Isle of Sheppey.
Last week, the Prime Minister announced a nationwide crackdown on illegal waste operations, including more tools to tackle the crimes, and identified the Island site as one of three initial locations across the country being targeted for clearance.
The council supports the government’s new approach to organised waste crime and clearing the Minster site will be a huge relief to the local community.
The council knows this is just the start and is working with colleagues at Defra and the Environment Agency on several other large sites in the borough.
Cllr Tim Gibson, leader of the council, said:
“We are pleased the government is taking illegal waste dumping seriously as Swale has been hit particularly hard over recent years.
“We welcome the commitment to clearing the Minster site as it’s blighted the area for too long, and local people will be relieved to finally see the mess gone.
“We also welcome the wider plans to catch and deter the sophisticated, organised gangs behind these crimes. We look forward to seeing this tough talk translated into visible action on the ground.
“We know local people will have concerns about the other large illegal waste sites in the borough. We will continue our work with partner agencies to make sure the strongest possible action is taken against those responsible.
“The announcement is a good start. Now, we need a sustained effort to confront these criminals head-on, and make the polluters pay for the damage they cause to our communities.”
