A MOTHER who has been fined for putting a bag of waste for recycling outside her home is appealing against the council penalty.

Alexandra Wilkinson, put garden waste outside her home in Windsor Road in Saltburn for collection early on Friday in recycling bags issued by Redcar and Cleveland District Council.

But on Monday morning, as she was getting her four-year-old daughter ready for school, a community warden knock-ed on the door and issued her with a £50 fine for not putting out the waste on the designated day - Wednesday.

Mrs Wilkinson, who puts tins, papers and garden waste in council-provided bags and boxes each week, said: "It was all very confusing. The community warden was actually quite rude.

"I think it is outrageous that this can happen to people who are trying to help the council by recycling."

The Wilkinsons have 14 days to appeal in writing.

Saltburn Councillor Barbara Harpham, cabinet member for environmental improvement, said: "This is a well-established scheme and I am surprised if anyone does not know the sacks are picked up on Wednesdays."

The Saltburn kerbside garden waste scheme was introduced in May and ensures the waste is recycled and is used on allotments and farmland.

About 2,500 homes in the town were issued with a roll of sacks, a leaflet about the scheme and a collection date calendar.