The MP for Dover held a summit to discuss rubbish on the roads and has called for an East Kent Unitary Authority which he claims would be more in touch with the area.

Charlie Elphicke organised the meeting last week to demand action on litter around Dover after many residents have raised their concerns.

He met representatives from Highways England and Dover District Council to discuss how best to tackle the issue, and the challenges of safely getting on to the roadside to clear the rubbish.

He said representatives from Kent County Council and Dover Harbour Board were invited but did not turn up.

Mr Elphicke said: “Our roads are filthy and disgusting. Everyone has an important role to play. It’s clear that the district council and Highways England are committed to making the difference.

“The amount of rubbish, litter and human waste lining our roads is disgusting.

“There was 1.6 tonnes of rubbish recently removed from the A20, and that is not considering other major routes like the A2 and around our rural villages.

“It was disappointing but unsurprising that Dover Harbour Board and Kent County Council were as remote and shirking of responsibility as ever. We needed the harbour board to help advise lorry drivers not to dump rubbish on our roads.

“And we needed Kent County Council to explain why they are blocking making the TAP’s 40mph speed limit variable.

“Yet again we see why we need port reform and an East Kent Unitary Authority that is in touch with our area.

“We need to clear our roads, but we also need to encourage motorists and foreign HGV drivers to keep our roads clear by properly disposing of their rubbish.”