Fines for Residents

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

In all cases the residents were prosecuted by South Tyneside Council 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.