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Mountain of waste piled high in Ethelbert Road, Margate

Disturbing images show a towering pile of waste strewn across a street corner routinely used as a dumping ground.

Bags of rubbish and mess were seen spilling from a council-owned wheelie bin in Ethelbert Road at the junction with Northdown Road in Margate.

A mountain of waste was piled high in Ethelbert Road on Boxing Day. Picture: Roger Turner
A mountain of waste was piled high in Ethelbert Road on Boxing Day. Picture: Roger Turner

Roger Turner who lives in nearby Cliftonville Place captured the snap outside the Premier convenience store on Tuesday to warn others of the problems.

But the 58-year-old says this is a common problem not exclusive to Christmas, despite the problem being at its peak on Boxing Day.

Thanet District Council has controversially wheeled out large communal bins at each end of Athelstan Road and Ethelbert Road in Cliftonville.

“It was cleared up the following day but the bins were already filled to the brim again soon after it was collected,” Mr Turner explained.

“This goes on all the time.

“There used to be more bins at the top of Athelstan Road, the next road up, but they were taken away.

“We have seen whole kitchens, beds, furniture and sofas dumped at the top of Athelstan Road so to solve the issue they moved the bins but all they did was move the problem.

“There are bins at the bottom of Athelstan Road and at both ends of Ethelbert Road and there are notices to say they are for residents only but unfortunately, people from all over Cliftonville use them.

“The pavement underneath is covered in paint so it is not just domestic waste being left there, builders and all sorts use it too.”

Mr Turner has lived in the area for 34 years and says the problems have become worse over the past decade.

Nappies, dog poo and rotting food have been regularly spotted surrounding the communal large bins in the densely populated streets.

Improving waste facilities in the area is something residents have long called for.

In the past Athelstan Road has been blighted by vermin as a result.

In a bid to put a stop to the problem, district council enforcement officers were given the power to dish out £1,000 fines to anyone fly-tipping or playing music loudly in the area.

It is understood residents are working with the council to find more permanent solutions.

Thanet District Council has been approached for comment.

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