£500 fine for Carlisle resident

A Carlisle resident who refused to clear away an excessive number of bags of rubbish from her backyard has been fined £500 by Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.

Martina Jefferies, from 24 Collingwood Street, Carlisle was prosecuted by Carlisle City Council for failing to comply with an Abatement Notice served in September this year. Prior to this, officers from the City Council had advised Ms Jefferies on how to arrange for a free bulky household waste collection and she also given information on which day her household refuse could be collected.

Environmental Health Officers of the Environmental Quality Section of City Council took legal action after a complaint was received about the accumulated bags and dog excrement in the backyard. As this was classed as a ‘statutory nuisance’, and after Ms Jefferies took no action to clear away the mess, legal action had to be taken.

Carlisle Magistrates’ fined Ms Jefferies £500, plus £245.28 costs and a £15 surcharge, at a Court hearing this morning (Monday, 10 December). The prosecution was heard in her absence after she did not attend the hearing and gave no plea.

Councillor Ray Bloxham, portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure said:

"Every effort is being made to ensure that Carlisle remains cleaner, greener and safer. We want to encourage the public to take pride in their communities. We have to be robust and make a difference. Hopefully this fine will emphasise the message that we are taking this issue seriously."

The Abatement Notice was served using the Environmental Protection Act 1990.