Could residents be fined for leaving bins out?

A council is considering fining households who fail to remove their bins from the street once they have been emptied.

A six-month pilot scheme is being proposed for the centre of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, covering homes in the town's historic conservation area.

Initially, written warnings would be issued to persistent offenders, but fines could be considered as "a last resort".

Tewkesbury Civic Society has raised concerns that "bin blight" was spoiling the town centre, devaluing properties and blocking wheelchair and pram users from using pavements.

A working group was set up by the borough council to address the issue after it received a petition from Tewkesbury Civic Society.

The working group has suggested a change to the wording of rules making it a requirement, rather than a request, to keep bins off the street.

Society chair Alan Purkiss said the council was making "a very sensible, very cautious, very polite approach" to the issue, but if someone doesn't comply "they want to give themselves the power to enforce".

"The vast majority of us won't be affected by this, we're dealing with a tiny minority," he said.

"We don't go on the street spitting, dog fouling, littering and graffiting and if we did we'd be fined. All we're saying is do the same with your bin".

Liberal Democrat councillor Murray Stewart, lead member for environmental services, said the trial would initially see written warnings handed out for persistent offenders.

"We will be working with residents first to understand their specific challenges, which we can then take forward," he said.

"It's proposed for a six-month trial and would need dedicated resource to work directly with households where bins are not be taken in, with support and education.

"Any enforcement measures could come later and only if agreed. They're not part of the initial six month phase. It would be a last resort, but we're making it clear to members of the public that it could be an avenue we explore," he added.

A fully-costed plan on the proposals is being prepared for full council to make a final decision.

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