Overview
- Barbara Wheeler, 73, and neighbour Margaret Bull, 84, left clothing bags for children’s charity Tree of Hope and later received enforcement letters issued by contractor Kingdom on behalf of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.
- One letter threatened prosecution and a fine up to £1,000, while the other imposed a £300 fixed penalty payable within 14 days.
- Wheeler reported an officer told Bull he had a camera and that anything she said could be used in court, leaving the 84-year-old shaken and fearful of answering her door.
- Council leader Matt Boughton apologized, confirmed the fines were rescinded, and announced an urgent review of the circumstances and the contractor’s actions.
- Kingdom said the fixed penalty notice was issued incorrectly, confirmed it would be rescinded, and apologized while pledging to ensure officers recognize legitimate charitable activity.