HOUSEHOLDERS who dump black bin bags full of domestic waste in the grounds of a community centre have been warned they face prosecution.

For the past few months, centre managers at the Grange Community Centre in Hurworth have seen an escalation in the numbers of black bin bags left at the recycling point in the grounds.

Now rats have been seen running around the bags, and the problem of removing them and the rubbish is costing the cash-strapped centre dearly.

Community association members, responsible for the running of the centre, say the situation is beyond belief.

"It is very disappointing that our residents are using these grounds as a tip," Coun John Lawrie, chairman of the Grange management committee, told Tuesday's parish meeting.

"We have been inundated with black bin bags left at the recycling point, and I can only assume it is something to do with the new kerbside collection arrangements.

"We have had TVs and fridges left, and once they are dumped here, their removal becomes our responsibility. This costs money. The one blue wheelie bin we have costs us more than £200 a year to operate, and if this carries on we would be looking at needing two."

But this is not the route the association wants to take.

Coun Lawrie added: "We'll look to putting up signs and organise patrols to monitor the area regularly. Anyone caught will be prosecuted."

* Council round-up: page 8.