Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Four South Tyneside residents have been fined after failing to clear rubbish from their properties.

In all cases the residents were prosecuted by Â鶹ÊÓƵ for failing to comply with a Notice issued under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 by not removing items likely to harbour pests. 

Fiona Swinhoe, 33, and 38-year-old Michael Swinhoe of Mill Lane in Whitburn, were both fined £440 after failing to remove refuse, discarded furniture, discarded material and debris from the rear garden of their property.

They also failed to appoint a pest control contractor to carry out an assessment and treatment of the land where the rotting waste had caused a rat infestation. The couple were also ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £34.

Peter Judd of Oak Avenue in South Shields was fined £330 after failing to remove debris and refuse from the garage and driveway at the property. Magistrates also made an order for him to pay costs of £556 and a victim surcharge of £34. 

Lorraine Bruce, 34, of Kirkley Avenue, South Shields, was fined £145 after failing to remove discarded material and debris from her back garden and dispose of it at a registered waste disposal facility. She was also ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £34.