A crackdown is being launched on criminal flytippers plaguing a 'hotspot' village for rubbish dumping.

Stone village in Dartford has become a hotspot for flytipping with a number of areas being targeted over the last few years by criminals.

Dartford council has agreed a deal with Stone Parish Council to use mobile CCTV cameras to tackle the problem whilst offering support with enforcement.

Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite said: "We find ourselves clearing up too much illegal tipping around the village and the Parish Council shares our determination to enforce and prosecute those responsible.

"The Parish’s decision to deploy its own CCTV is an important step forward but it creates some work in the background that we are well placed to do and we are delighted to be collaborating with them.

"Frankly, the people who drive into our villages with the intention of dumping rubbish in lanes, lay-bys and verges are beneath contempt and our intention is to publicise and prosecute them.”

Stone Borough Councillor John Burrell said: "The council has tried a number of different strategies to stop fly tipping in the Parish and It continues to support Dartford Borough Council with the removal of fly tips but with incidents still occurring it was felt that the placement of CCTV would assist in eradicating the problem.

"We will have the ability to deploy our new equipment around the village to tackle the hotspots and our collaboration with colleagues at Dartford will help us with the legal and enforcement support we need to secure prosecutions. It’s an excellent example of Councils working together in partnership.”

Dartford Labour leader Jonathon Hawkes welcomed the step, but said the council needs to ensure CCTV be funded properly.

He said: "I welcome the news that Stone will finally have the CCTV we need to tackle fly tipping and anti-social behaviour in our community.

"Labour Councillors have been calling for this action for the last 18 months. Sadly, Dartford Conservatives have not been listening to residents.

"Instead of taking the action needed they chose to cut the budget for CCTV by 23 per cent and I fear there are more cuts to come next year. It’s great that the Parish Council has stepped in to fill that budget gap on this occasion, but we need assurances that CCTV will be properly funded going forward."