A CRACKDOWN on residents who put their bins out too early will now be enforced with a fine of up to £100.
As part of a unique scheme residents in Chester’s Garden Quarter have received new waste collection bags that have printed on them a Section 46 Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
It is possible because of this to serve a £100 fixed penalty notice to anyone whose waste is found in an alleyway on the wrong collection day.
The figure is reduced to £75 if paid within seven days.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “We really want all residents to be able to enjoy a clean and pleasant neighbourhood, knowing that the council can – and will – act swiftly and effectively against anyone who deliberately defaces the locality with their rubbish.
“At present full bags of rubbish are put out on the wrong day for collection and the bags are frequently ripped open by scavengers.
“The contents are strewn across the area, creating an even worse mess that has a detrimental impact on the quality of the environment.
“The desired outcome of this initiative is for all residents to be able to enjoy clean streets and alleyways, and for no one to receive a fine.
“However, enforcement action will be taken and if successful in the Garden Quarter, it may be implemented to other bag collection areas of the borough.”
A working group consisting of local councillors Bob Rudd and Jill Houlbrook, University of Chester bosses, Chester Students’ Union and landlord representatives jointly want to improve the environmental quality of the area.
Cllr Rudd said: “As part of a pilot scheme, bulk bins have been introduced in some entries to tackle the litter problem. However, they cannot be stored in all entries because of their size.
“All local residents have received leaflets, letters and calendars which further explain the collection system and when to put the bags out for collection and how to deal with bulky waste.
“In addition a robust enforcement process was developed and will be implemented over the coming weeks.
“I am sure the majority of residents will support this action, as the problem of refuse sacks spilling into alleyways and streets has gone on for too long, because of the inconsiderate actions of a few people.
“At present the council pays weekly for and implements a ‘deep clean’ in some of the entries the day after rubbish should be collected.
“This cannot – and should not – continue.”