Garden rubbish leads to court

West Lindsey District Council took legal action against the men after they failed to clear rubbish from their gardens.

Coun Malcolm Parish, chairman of the prosperous communities committee, said: “Allowing rubbish to build-up in gardens is not acceptable and is not fair on your neighbours. We’re always willing to work with people and provide advice if they need it. But when they repeatedly ignore that advice and their responsibilities we can and we will take action.”

Alex Bratton, of Grey Street, Gainsborough, was found guilty of failing to clear domestic waste and household items from his garden.

A complaint was made to the council on 16th May 2011 that there was a build up of household waste and rubbish in the garden.

The council asked him to clean up the mess, using its powers under Section 92 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Bratton, 24, did not attend court at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Monday 30th April. In his absence he was found guilty, fined £600 and ordered to pay £350 costs to WLDC, plus a £15 victim surcharge.

In a separate incident, John Dukes, of Harrow Close, pleaded guilty of failing to clear domestic waste and household items from his garden.

Dukes did attend Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Monday 30th April and confirmed the area is now clear.

He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £350 costs to the council plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Court action was taken after final legal notices were ignored.