Local News

Works to install over 200 solar panels on Swale Borough Council’s offices have begun.  

The 105-Kilowatt peak (kWp) solar panel system is capable of producing electricity equivalent to almost half of Swale House’s annual power needs.

This will significantly reduce Swale Borugh Council’s energy bill, whilst also improving its carbon footprint.  

During peak sunlight hours, the extra energy produced will be sold back to the grid, further reducing costs and emissions. 

The solar panels follow previous cost saving works to the building which included installing insulation and replacing old, single glazed windows. 

As part of its ongoing responsibility to tackle climate change, the council is looking at the potential of installing solar panels on other council-owned assets. 

Solar energy installation experts Push Power are installing the panels, with the project set to be completed before the summer.  

Cllr Dolley Wooster, chair of the Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee, told SFM News: “These solar panels are an investment into the future, making our offices more efficient, and saving us all significant money in the long run. This system is also part of our efforts to reduce the impact of our services on our natural environment. With the future of local government across the county yet to be decided, investing in an efficient, cost-effective building is a sensible step. These works will make sure that Swale House will be cheaper to operate in a sustainable way.”

Andy Khan, Managing Director of Push Power Ltd, told SFM News: "Delivering custom designed solar solutions to meet the unique needs, budgets and goals of the end user, Push Power has been working closely with Swale Borough Council in Kent to provide a system which will power-up the Local Authority's energy efficiency goals, minimise their carbon footprint and significantly reduce their overall energy costs.”

Waste carriers were targeted earlier this month (Thursday 5th February) as part of a new regular crackdown on fly-tipping in the borough. 

 Swale Borough Council teamed up with Kent Police’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) to tackle suspected fly-tipping, collect evidence, and take enforcement action for waste related crimes. 

Officers stopped and searched vehicles transporting waste, checking their paperwork, and gathering evidence for further investigation, including serial numbers of unlawfully transported car parts.

Two offenders received fixed penalty notices of £300 for failing to produce a permit to carry waste or the other necessary documents. 

Cllr Dolley Wooster, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee at the council, told SFM News:  “We take fly-tipping and other waste crimes very seriously; illegally dumped waste is not only a blight on our countryside but is also damaging to our environment. If we are to successfully tackle waste related crime, especially larger scale fly-tipping, we need to work closely with partner agencies to bring these criminals to justice. The op assists are a great example of this joint-working having real results stopping the people who are transporting the waste and disrupting the waste sites’ logistical operations.  

Cllr Wooster went on to add: “While this does act as a deterrent, we also need the help of our residents to make sure their waste doesn’t end up down our alleyways or country lanes. Be wary of cheap waste removal services, and make sure they the correct documentation, including a license and that you get a waste transfer note. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Kent Police, the Environment Agency and our residents to keep Swale clean.” 

 Sergeant Phil Crowley from Kent Police told SFM News: “Targeting illegal waste carriers is essential to preventing fly-tipping and safeguarding our environment. These activities not only damage our countryside but also undermine legitimate businesses and harm local communities. By taking action against offenders, we are reinforcing the message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.”

Swale Borough Council have confirmed that they now regularly carry out these days of action with the Kent Police. The council’s enforcement team gathers intelligence in advance to help target the right areas to carry out their duties.   

What can you do to dispose of your waste responsibly?  

Fly-tippers often target households via social media or local advertising, luring customers in with cheap rates to dispose of unwanted furniture, building rubble or garden waste.  

However, these unlicensed waste carriers often simply dump the waste wherever they can get away with it, including in Kent’s country lanes.  

Householders or small businesses found to be using criminals to dispose of their waste can and are being prosecuted by local authorities in Kent with fixed penalty notices. Failure to pay such an FPN may result in court action where fines can be significantly larger.  

To prevent this, householders should check whether someone is licensed to carry waste by visiting the Environment Agency website, or by calling 03708 506506.  

It also helps if householders receive a written receipt or transfer note, including contact details, description of waste removed and details of where the waste is being taken to.  

You can check what can be disposed of for free here: Charges at HWRCs - Kent County Council  

Kent Police have confirmed that a dispersal order will be in place in Sittingbourne for two days to assist officers should any antisocial behaviour occur.

Enforcement began at 4pm today (Monday 16th February) and will run until 4pm on Wednesday (18th February). 

It covers multiple areas around the town centre extending to East Street, St Paul’s Street, London Road and Park Road. This area includes Sittingbourne Retail Park, Sittingbourne Train Station, Mill Way Skate Park and Albany Park Recreation Ground.

The order gives officers additional powers to move on anyone causing a nuisance and, if necessary, arrest those who subsequently return to the area. Vehicles including bikes used in an anti-social or dangerous manner will be seized. 

Inspector Julia Bassindale told SFM News: "We are committed to ensuring residents and visitors feel safe when out and about and we will not tolerate intimidating or disorderly behaviour. Officers will be patrolling the area and anyone being disorderly or found causing a nuisance will be required to leave. Those who choose to return once dispersed can expect to be detained.’

Anybody who wishes to report instances of antisocial behaviour should report it online via the Kent Police website. If a crime is in progress, please don’t hesitate to call 999.

DPD has opened a new purpose-built parcel hub here in Sittingbourne at Panattoni Parknear the A249 at Kemsley.

The 58,000 sq ft facility was built by the industrial developer as part of it's £635m investment to date across the county at sites in Sittingbourne, Aylesford and Wrotham.

When fully operational, the automated DPD hub will greatly increase its capacity at the site reaching an expected 80,000 parcels per day.

DPD will also be expanding its EV fleet at Sittingbourne, helping the firm reach its net zero targets as part of the global Geopost Group.

Alex Mitchell, Associate Development Director for the South East and London at Panattoni, told SFM News: "The new DPD distribution centre marks a key milestone for the park, and leaves just one unit available, underscoring the strong demand for high-quality logistics space in this location. DPD's arrival is a strong endorsement of the location and specification we have delivered. Sittingbourne offers exceptional connectivity and labour access, and it is well suited to the operational intensity of a modern parcel hub."