New laws to punish untidy neighbours

24th May, 2012

Neighbours will be sighing with relief if the latest directive on keeping curbs appealing proves successful. There will now be fixed penalties imposed against householders who regularly dump rubbish in their own garden. It will now become a criminal offence to leave old pieces of furniture and white goods in the front garden. People will also be liable for the fine if they leave out old pizza boxes and other rubbish for any length of time.

The on the spot fine will be levied at an average of up to £100.00 and the maximum amount will be £2,500. This is all part of the Community Protection Notice which was unveiled by Theresa May.

The new law will apply to privately owned homes and council houses, with those guilty of ‘persistent, unreasonable behaviour’ being targeted. There will be a warning, which if ignored, will result in the fine. This will not include people who are forced to stow their rubbish at the front of homes due to recycling rules. There will also be some protection for house holders should they become prey to over over-zealous council officials patrolling the streets looking to make money by issuing on-the-spot fines. There will be a fixed period of time when the garden can be cleared up and will apply to repeat offenders.

 

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