A County Durham resident has been slapped with a large fine after allowing their rubbish to build up to such a level over an 18-month period that it almost overlapped the top of their fence – causing their neighbours a nuisance.

According to Durham County Council wardens, who launched an investigation against the homeowner, who lived in Stanley, County Durham, the combination of furniture, insulation, cans, and general rubbish had built so much that it was causing an ‘environmental impact’ in the community.

Proceedings against the homeowner were started on March 18 last year when they were issued with a community protection notice, which was on record for 12 months.

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Despite clearing some of the rubbish at one point, another complaint was lodged against the Stanley residents in August 2021, and a breach letter was issued informing them of the waste in their property.

Neighbourhood Wardens tried to work with the residents, but none of the waste was removed and a Fixed Penalty Notice was issued on in October 2021.

The Northern Echo: Some of the rubbish in the garden in Stanley. Picture: DCC WARDENSSome of the rubbish in the garden in Stanley. Picture: DCC WARDENS

A revisit in November of the same year showed that the resident did clear away some of the rubbish but did not pay their Fixed Penalty Notice and a case file was prepared for court proceedings.

Whilst preparing a court file, more waste built up and a remedial order was requested and granted by the courts earlier this month.

In court, they were ordered to pay £424.

In the aftermath of the clear-up, The Northern Echo spoke to someone, who wished to remain anonymous and lived nearby to the homeowner, who said: "It's a nightmare situation, it was starting to attract rodents to the area because there was so much litter."

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