Dudley’s environment chief has reassured homeowners over the threat of £75 fines for putting their bins out too early.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare said the council would not target people who leave their bins out the night before.
She said the measure was only intended for those residents and business owners who left their rubbish to fester on the streets for days at a time. “This power has been available to councils for a long time,” she said. “There has been no change in enforcement policy.
“These powers are only used to stop people and businesses who don’t care how or when they dispose of their rubbish, leaving waste and bags out for days on end, attracting vermin and causing an unsightly mess which the council then has to clear up.
“Even in these cases they will have already been asked to change their behaviour and given every opportunity to act as good citizens before the fines are issued.”
Councillor Shakespeare said she feared many elderly and vulnerable residents would worry the fines could affect them.
“The council will not target responsible residents who put out their bin bags the night before the collection,” she said.
“For many this is the only way to ensure it is there in time for the collectors who often make their rounds early in the morning before some people, particularly the elderly, start their day.
“It is particularly important for those who need the help of a neighbour or relative.
“I would of course ask those who are able, to put their bags out on the morning of the collection if possible. This reduces the risk of the bags being attacked by local cats or vermin.
“However I fully understand the reasons why many can’t and I can assure all responsible residents they have nothing to fear”.
Under Dudley Council policy, people found dropping litter will get a fixed penalty of £75, the same amount as those reported to the council for putting waste out too early.
Dog fouling attracts a penalty of £50.
4 Comments
I notice that none of the bloggers who were so quick to attack the Council when the original story was run have been back to thank Cllr Shakespeare for asserting that a fine will only be used in extremis against persistent rubbish dumpers.
Ray, they are probably too busy throwing there chip papers in the road
I’m here! Perhaps if that had been made perfectly clear in the first instance, us bloggers wouldnt have so so quick to give our ‘opinion’ I prefer to say… Just like you have now…
What have I got to thank her for? I still haven’t received a bin!!!!!!!!!!