Tenant fined for garden waste build-up

Sally Oxley, of Whitworth Lane, Wath, was prosecuted following a complaint by landlords The Guinness Partnership.

Officers from the housing association told Rotherham Borough Council that they were concerned about the build-up of rubbish (pictured) and that it might attract vermin.

A council spokeswoman said: “When a member of the council’s enforcement team visited the property, he found carpet underlay and six white bags containing household and kitchen waste deposited in the rear garden.”

Oxley failed to remove the waste despite a number of warnings and was taken to court after breaching a notice issued to her ordering her to clear the rubbish. The waste was eventually removed by the housing association, and Ms Oxley will be charged for the removal costs.

Ms Oxley was found guilty in her absence at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 17 of failing to comply with a Environment Protection Act notice.

She was fined £220, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £451.58.

RMBC’s assistant director for community safety and street scene, Tom Smith, said: “All householders have a responsibility to keep their yards and gardens in a condition that is clean and safe.

“If you allow rubbish to build up to an extent that it causes a nuisance to others then you could be taken to court and face a substantial fine.”