Three property owners fined after failing to clear waste from back yards in South Shields

Council chiefs in South Tyneside have vowed to crack down on property owners who fail to remove rubbish from their land.
Rubbish left at the three properties led to the prosecutions.Rubbish left at the three properties led to the prosecutions.
Rubbish left at the three properties led to the prosecutions.

They warned of their strict stance after bringing legal action against three men who did not heed their clean-up warnings.

Jamie Russell, Yousif Mahmoud and Michael Taylor have been fined between £220 and £500 – and also hit with court costs – for their misdemeanours.

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Russell, of Leighton Street, South Shields, failed to shift refuse, discarded items and debris from his rear yard.

The state of the backyard rubbish left by Michael Taylor.The state of the backyard rubbish left by Michael Taylor.
The state of the backyard rubbish left by Michael Taylor.

He also did not unblock a drain or clean and sanitise a required area, and allowed refuse, discarded material and debris to accumulate.

Mahmoud, of Rubens Avenue, South Shields, failed to shift waste and debris from his back garden, and did not dispose of it at a licensed waste facility within seven days.

And Taylor, of Paddock Close, Cleadon, did not remove controlled waste from the rear yard of a property in Baring Street, South Shields.

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Russell and Mahmoud were each fined £220, with £100 costs, while Taylor was fined £500, with £50 costs – and all must pay a £32 victim surcharge.

Waste left by Jamie Russell.Waste left by Jamie Russell.
Waste left by Jamie Russell.

Their cases were proved in absence at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 21.

South Tyneside Council said it follows a standard process in most cases which is service of a notice requiring specific works to be undertaken to alleviate the specific problems.

The notice normally gives a reasonable period for the work to be carried out.

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After this, it will usually process a legal case for consideration of action, which often results in legal proceedings.

Backyard rubbish which Yousif Mahmoud failed to clean up.Backyard rubbish which Yousif Mahmoud failed to clean up.
Backyard rubbish which Yousif Mahmoud failed to clean up.

The council also carries out necessary work to clear the rubbish and then applies to the court to claim back its costs.

Coun Joan Atkinson, the council’s Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: “As well as being unsightly, rubbish left lying around poses a public health risk as it can attract vermin.

“We are committed to keeping our borough clean and tidy and will take action against the tiny minority of people who fail to comply with the notices we serve against them.”

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