Bin-blockers face �1k fine

PEOPLE who leave their wheelie bins on pavements, alleyways or roadsides, causing an obstruction, could be fined �1,000.Borough councillors approved the tough stance after a survey found there were 87 “problem streets” which had a week-round presence of bins.

PEOPLE who leave their wheelie bins on pavements, alleyways or roadsides, causing an obstruction, could be fined �1,000.

Borough councillors approved the tough stance after a survey found there were 87 “problem streets” which had a week-round presence of bins.

It follows previous efforts to remove the obstructions where residents were issued with red and yellow cards.

The council currently advises residents that bins should not be put out before 6pm on the day before collection and should be removed from the highway as soon as possible and no later than 9am the following day.

Many believe wheelie bins left out attract fly-tippers and become a target for arsonists.

Under the new enforcement policy the council says educating residents will be its priority with fines being issued as a last resort.

Where residents have health problems restricting their ability, the wheelie bin will be collected and returned from an agreed point and vulnerable residents like the elderly will not be targeted under this scheme.

The council will open a case after receiving a complaint and identify whether the person is in need of assistance. If not, information on bin collection will be issued and if the advice is continually ignored the residents will receive two warnings and finally a fixed penalty notice of �80. Failure to pay could result in prosecution and a maximum fine of �1,000.

The proposals were due to be rubber stamped at last night's full council meeting.