A STRETFORD woman has been fined for failing to remove rubbish from her garden for five months.

On June 6, Sarah Dawson of Sydney Street, was fined £400, plus a £40 victim surcharge, for failing to adhere to a litter clearance notice.

She was also ordered to pay Trafford Council costs of £604 at a hearing at Trafford Magistrates’ Court.

The council was first notified of the rubbish on September 18 2013 – environmental improvement officers contacted Miss Dawson, who informed them that she would remove the litter.

The rubbish was not removed and after repeated contact with Miss Dawson, rubbish contractors attended the property on January 31 2014 to remove the waste.

Executive member for environment and operations, Cllr John Reilly, said: “People who do not dispose of their rubbish in the correct manner are potentially causing a serious health risk as well as blighting the local environment for local people.

“This anti-social behaviour will be not tolerated and we welcome the decision of the court in this case.”

To report incidents call Trafford Council on 0161 912 2000 or report it via the council website.