Clean break for rubbish campaign

Jan 14 2009 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

CIVIC bosses in County Durham are cracking down on arson by making rogue residents and landlords clean up their untidy yards.

Easington District Council is one of the first authorities in the country to use new legal powers to issue fixed penalty fines to anyone who fails to remove rubbish and litter from their property.

During a four-week period, the authority handed out 68 letters and legal notices warning people they would face a £110 fine if they did not tidy up their yard or garden.

Environmental services manager Ian Hoult said: “Rubbish-strewn yards and gardens ruin the appearance of neighbourhoods and can have a significant impact on general quality of life.

“Even more worryingly, they account for a large number of deliberate fires set in the district. Items dumped in yards are also used to cause criminal damage and litter and waste can attract rats and mice.

“Unfortunately, we have had repeated problems with people dumping rubbish and unwanted items in back yards. Now that we have the ability to impose fines and even pursue legal action, we are successfully cracking down on this major nuisance.”

Under the scheme, skips have been placed around the district for people to dispose of their rubbish, and council street wardens have been speaking to residents about the importance of keeping yards tidy and issuing warning letters to those who failed to respond to clean-up requests.

Of those who received notices, 61% did the work required. The rest were sent a second notice giving them five to 28 days to comply.

Where residents or landlords refuse to carry out the work during the period given, the council can use the new law to issue fixed penalty fines.

It also has the power to remove the rubbish itself and charge the resident or landlord for any costs incurred and pursue court proceedings against anyone who does not repay the money or the fine.

The clampdown targeted the Wembley area of Easington Colliery, North Peterlee and Horden.