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Calls to clean up car park outside Rothmell House in Knightrider Street, Maidstone, which is coated in needles, faeces and urine

A car park outside a block of flats in Maidstone coated in faeces, bottles of urine, and needles has been likened to a 'cesspit'.

James Morris, whose daughter lives in Rothmell House in Knightrider Street, says rubbish has been building up for nearly three months and overflowing bins is a common problem.

How the bins often look. Picture: James Morris
How the bins often look. Picture: James Morris

The 51-year-old from Orpington said: "My 19-month-old grandchild cannot step one foot out of the car because it's absolutely disgusting.

"I have asked on numerous occasions for Maidstone council to do something about it but quite frankly I would like to raise public awareness of the health hazard this brings.

"There are rats too. You name it, it’s there.

"I don't know when the regular bin day is supposed to be because it's never collected.

"My daughter has lived there for just over a year and this is an reoccurring problem so I will continue to shout about it until it is dealt with properly."

Mears is hoping to find a permanent solution. Picture: James Morris
Mears is hoping to find a permanent solution. Picture: James Morris

Rothmell House is owned by housing association Mears which shares the car park with with neighbouring properties.

A spokesperson from the company says it is working to find a permanent solution but unfortunately the site is 'a victim of frequent significant fly tipping'.

They added: "We have a bin area designated for our residents however this is not being used and it has now over spilled into the car park area which is also shared by neighbouring properties.

"Our housing officer has reported the problem to Maidstone council, so it is aware of this ongoing problem but as this is on private land it is ultimately the responsibility of freeholders to clear.

“The rubbish was last cleared on September 29, and we have arranged a further clearance tomorrow.

The car park is often targeted by fly tippers. Picture: James Morris
The car park is often targeted by fly tippers. Picture: James Morris

“We would like to remind all residents to report any acts of fly tipping to the police and or council if they witness them in progress and provide any details for the attention of our Housing officer via email to mearsliving@mearsgroup.co.uk or 24/7 contact centre 033 0678 0277.

“In the meantime, we will be arranging for the area to be cleared and speaking with the other freeholders on other preventative measures we put in place.”

It is also looking at building a larger lockable bin store but will first need to agree with the neighbouring business who share the car park.

This could mean a reduction in the number of parking spaces available.

A spokesperson from MBC said: “The car park in Knightrider Street is not owned by Maidstone Borough Council and the responsibility for cleaning lies with the landowner.

"The MBC Waste Team visited the site early last week and advised the managing agent that it has the responsibility of removing the waste from the car park, and if this is not rectified, it will result in a formal notice legal procedure.

"The team also assessed the capacity of the area and advised the managing agent of the cost to increase the amount of bins available to residents.”

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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