'We will take action' - warning to clear up rubbish as six people face prosecution over waste charges

South Tyneside Council took action through the courts after residents ignored notices to remove build ups of waste, ranging from dog mess and domestic waste to discarded furniture and debris, in their gardens or yards.

The hearings, held at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, included the case of Alan Fox, of Leighton Street, who failed to comply with a Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 notice. The notice, served in February, required the 52-year-old to remove dog mess, domestic waste, discarded furniture and debris, from a back yard in George Scott Street.

Rachelle Duke, aged 47, of Druridge Crescent, was also prosecuted for failing to comply with an Environmental Protection Act 1990 Statutory Nuisance Notice, served in April, requiring her to remove dog mess and domestic waste from a back yard in Baring Street.

Magistrates also heard how Anthony and Kate Navi, of Copley Avenue, failed to comply with an Environmental Protection Act 1990 statutory nuisance notice, served in March, requiring the removal of dog mess and domestic waste from a back yard in Gordon Road.

They were all ordered to pay £380 each, which included a £250 fine, costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £30.

The court also heard the case of Samantha Brown, of Alice Street. The 31-year-old had failed to comply with a Community Protection Notice, served in March, under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, requiring her to remove domestic waste and debris.

She was ordered to pay a total of £947, which included a £500 fine, £297 compensation, costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £50.

Melody Vickers, aged 40, of Shelley Avenue, was also prosecuted of failing to comply with a Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 Notice, which was served in March, requiring the removal of all domestic waste from her gardens.

She was ordered to pay £650, which included a £500 fine, costs of £100 and a £50 victim surcharge.

All five cases, heard on September 25, were proven in their absence.

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A spokesman for South Tyneside Council said: “Rubbish left lying around is not only unsightly, it can also be a public health risk.

“Although court action is always a last resort, we do all we can to help keep the borough looking tidy and will take action against the tiny minority of residents who ignore notices served on them to clear up after themselves.”