CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is getting tough on city centre residents who leave their rubbish bags strewn across the streets.
Letters have been sent out to residents in the area warning them they will be fined up to £80 if they continually dump their rubbish in rear alleyways or leave waste collection bags out on the wrong day.
The scheme has been extended across the city centre following a successful trial period in the Garden Quarter area.
The authority’s senior manager of waste collection and disposal Steve Bakewell, writing in the letter, said: “Although the vast majority of residents are taking part fully in the new initiative, there are still some residents in the bag collection area of Chester City who are persistently abusing the service despite numerous visits from council representatives.
“Unfortunately, these residents continue to deface the area by putting their bags of rubbish out on the wrong collection day and at the wrong collection point.
“These bags can be ripped open by scavengers and strewn across the area creating an eyesore.”
New bags are being delivered to city centre homes with a notice requiring residents to put out their rubbish no sooner than 7pm the previous night of collection day, and not be placed in rear alleyways.
Mr Bakewell added: “It is recognised the vast majority of residents are dealing with their recycling and waste in a responsible manner.
“As such, they will welcome this action to help those householders who are currently less concerned about their local environment.”
Anyone unsure of their collection schedule can call the council on 0300 123 7026 or visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
