Operation brings results

Damaged council properties, unauthorised businesses and Houses in Multiple Occupation, graffiti and dumped rubbish are just some of the problems tackled in the latest Operation Clean Sweep in Ramsgate, Kent.

The operation is led by Thanet District Council and also involves officers from Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Trading Standards, Kent County Council and the UK Border Agency and has been so successful over the last year that it has attracted interest from other councils in the south east.

The councils housing team visited council owned properties in the area and found a number of instances of damaged property, which they are dealing with. Some tenants were instructed to clean up rubbish from their gardens or homes, some of which was a fire hazard, and officers will be going back to ensure this is completed. One person was also arrested for breaching an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.

Planning and housing enforcement officers discovered unauthorised Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) above takeaways in  and the owners of these properties are now being contacted to tell them that the practice has to cease and, if it doesnt, further action will be taken. Suspected HMOs were also found and these are being investigated further.

In total, 10 people were arrested by the UK Border Agency on suspicion of being illegal immigrants. Two have been released on immigration bail, while the others remain in custody. A Notice of Potential Liability was also served on the owner of a business in Ramsgate, regarding illegal working.

During the week, open spaces and alleyways were also cleared up by the councils waste and recycling team and local volunteers. In total, three tones of rubbish was removed during the operation. Graffiti hit squads have also been out clearing up the problem in the area. A truancy sweep during the week by Kent County Council also picked up more than 20 children, some of which were returned to either schools or their homes.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Commercial and Environmental Services, said: Once again, Operation Clean Sweep has proved to be a huge success. Having been out on the frontline with the teams earlier in the week, helping to clear away rubbish, I know exactly how hard all the officers involved, both from the council and other agencies, have been working. Theyve had a great response from everyone theyve come across. Council tenants have happily invited officers in to talk through issues and commercial premises have been really supportive.

Area Director of the UK Border Agency in Kent, Graham Ralph said, "This week's operation has been a great success. Not only have we made a number of successful arrests, but we have sent a clear message to those employing illegal workers and to illegal immigrants that we will not tolerate their behaviour and will work with other agencies to locate them and hold them to account. We fully support the actions of Thanet District Council and the successes they have made with Operation Clean Sweep and will continue to work with them any way we can."

ENDS