A bright orange truck could hold the key to a fly-tipping incident after residents were duped by a cold-caller.

Environment officers are investigating after a large heap of waste was found strewn across a lane in Harvel, near Meopham.

The rubbish was traced back to an address in Snodland where the occupants told Gravesham council officers they had been visited by a cold-caller offering to dispose of their building and garden waste.

But they had not checked his credentials and the waste was later found dumped in Harvel Lane across the road on December 13. It was cleared to prevent it becoming a danger and disrupting motorists.

The man was reportedly driving a "distinctive bright orange old style Ford Transit tipper", a council spokesman said.

The vehicle also had an extended cab, black tipper body and heightened plywood tipper sides.

Enforcement teams at Gravesham council are now trying to track down the man driving the vehicle and have appealed for information about similar approaches or if the vehicle is spotted.

'We will not tolerate fly-tipping and our teams are working hard to catch those disrespecting our countryside and our borough...'

The authority has also reminded residents they have a "legal duty of care" to make sure any waste collected is done so by a registered person with a waste carriers' permit issued by the Environment Agency.

Anyone using such a service is also required to receive documentation from the person carrying the waste who must provide the customer with their personal or company details, a list of items taken and how they will be disposed as proof.

The council has also suggested only employing a known company and not to use an unknown third party through social media.

Cllr Lee Croxton, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for operational services said: "Gravesham is a beautiful place, it's our home.

"We will not tolerate fly-tipping and our teams are working hard to catch those that are disrespecting our countryside and indeed our borough.

"Householders and businesses can easily find themselves on the wrong side of the law and face a heavy fine for failing to ensure that their waste is collected, transported and disposed of lawfully.

"We are one community, please help us to keep our borough clean and a place we can be proud of."

Permitted waste carriers can be found on the Environment Agency website.

For more information on residents' duty of care obligations e-mail environmental.enforcement@gravesham.gov.uk

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