The vice chairman of Ebbsfleet United FC has slammed the county council for failing to remove a 40-foot trailer dumped outside its grounds.

Fleet’s Peter Varney issued a scathing attack on Kent County Council (KCC) arguing it had a “statutory obligation” to remove the cargo in Stonebridge Road.

The trailer has been abandoned for four weeks, the club claims. 

Mr Varney has been battling with authorites to have the unit removed but has described negotiations with KCC as “mission impossible”.

He said: “The trailer is now seriously disrupting the delivery and erection of steel for our new main stand.”

“We are working hard to improve Northfleet but it looks like we are on our own and I am sure if this vehicle had been dumped outside a councillor or council official’s home it would already be in the scrapyard.

“We are today taking legal advice on how to pass on the cost of any construction delays we incur.”

News Shopper:
The trailer in Stonebridge Road

The KCC believes there are no parking restrictions in this location and the trailer is not illegally parked and is not causing a danger or an obstruction to passing traffic.

According to the county council there is no statutory duty to remove this trailer and the responsibility lies with its owner.

News Shopper can reveal Gravesham Council has confirmed today (September 30) plans to remove the trailer at the cost of £1,400.

The council hasn’t had to deal with a case like this before and will reclaim the expenses from the owner of the trailer once he or she has been found.

A removal date is yet to be set.