A family firm emerging from coronavirus lockdown went to the rescue when fridges were fly-tipped beside a road.

Sittingbourne company IAC Delivery Solutions sent one of its vans to Iwade to collect the abandoned electrical equipment and other rubbish.

Operations director Chris Cox said: "I saw a post on Facebook last night (Tuesday) and couldn't believe it. Fridges can be really hazardous items to leave lying about.

"It really made me cross. There is no excuse to dump them like that. It is poor practice. Whoever is doing this needs to stop."

The fridges were picked up today and are now stored at company's warehouse until they can be taken to specialists in the Midlands for disposal.

Chris, 39, said: "After looking at the items more closely it appears they may have come from a shop clearance.

"One was a commercial display fridge often used for sandwiches and drinks in small cafés.

"All the compressors had been removed. This will most certainly have released harmful CFC gasses into the atmosphere which is against the law."

He added: "Anyone disposing of fridges must ask to see a Hazardous Waste Transfer Note from the collection company."

His firm, which supports the hospitality and catering sector, is emerging from the coronavirus lockdown having introduced safer working practices.

It was founded by Chris's dad Ian and his wife Sue 23 years ago and is based in Tribune Drive where it has a 20,000 sq ft storage facility. It has another depot in Yorkshire and a fleet of nine trucks.

Chris, who lives on Sheppey, said: "We say we are the transport industry's best-kept secret. Hardly anyone knows about us. We use our experience and resources to deliver and collect specialist items other companies find too unwieldy."

His brother Andrew is project manager and his sister Nichola Groves-Gurney is finance director. All went to Fulston Manor School, Sittingbourne, before joining the family firm.

Chris, the youngest, began as a driver's assistant when he was 18. He added: "It is a true family firm. We are all partners in it.

"When I saw the Facebook post I realised we were all sitting around doing nothing and could help. So my dad picked them up."

Fridges were also found dumped on the Isle of Sheppey.

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