A DISABLED man says he is prepared to go to court after refusing to pay a fine for putting his rubbish out six hours early.

Chris Grainge, of Columbia Street, Darlington, says he will not pay a £50 fine imposed by the borough council, after he left bags of rubbish in the street at 11am on Monday, May 14, six hours before local authority rules allow.

Mr Grainge, 33, said he was stunned by the notice telling him that he would be fined.

He said he had put the bags out knowing that he would not be at home that night.

"I put my bins out before I left, as I have always done. When I found out that I had been fined, I was very upset," he said.

A council spokeswoman said wardens searched the bags to find out who was the owner.

She said: "Fines can be issued if rubbish is left out before 5pm the day before collection. A card was put through the door asking the occupant to contact the wardens. He admitted the offence and we are preparing to issue the fine."

But Mr Grainge, who has two 14in metal plates in his legs after a motorcycle accident two years ago, said he would not pay.

"I have just moved to the area. How was I supposed to know? Well, they can take me to court because I will not pay the fine, full stop," he said.

The council spokeswoman said the refuse collection system was under review and residents will be asked for their views towards the end of the year on how refuse can be best collected.

Information about the fines is published in the Town Crier magazine, although Mr Grainge says he has yet to receive a copy of the magazine, five weeks after moving to the town.