A council has ended its environmental services contract with Kingdom Security, the company which was found to have offered bonuses to its officers for issuing fines.

Maidstone Borough Council has decided not to extend the contract with the firm beyond the end of this month.

The council's head of environment and public realm, Jennifer Shepherd, said that its work with Kingdom has been 'very successful' at reducing littering and encouraging the use of bins.

Ms Shepherd added: 'Our focus has been to change and adapt to new challenges we are seeing in the borough.

'Now the contract with Kingdom is coming to an end, we will work to ensure we continue with our enforcement service in a way which is flexible but meets the needs of local residents.

'All options will be explored and that includes retendering for a new enforcement contract or bringing the service in-house.'

Kingdom has been approached for comment.