Residents to be forced to clean up gardens

Residents to be forced to clean up gardens

» 26th March 2010 «

Homeowners in one town could be forced to tidy up their gardens in order to help improve the look of their neighbourhood.

According to the Waltham Forest Guardian, local councillors have decided clamp down on those with messy green spaces by changing the way the local authority enforces regulations.

The changes will see council employees act faster to clean up mess such as furniture and rubbish which has been left in gardens.

Further retrospective action will then be taken to ensure the problem does not recur and Labour councillor Adam Gladstone said it is important that people begin to take responsibility for their gardens.

"We need to recreate a spirit of collective endeavour, fraternal solidarity and community empowerment to end the atomisation that many residents experience today," he told the newspaper.

Local authorities can issue notices under the Public Health Act, Town and Country Act and Environmental Protection Act - all of which can force residents to act to avoid further sanctions such as a fine or prosecution.

Meanwhile, Brits looking for inspiration for their gardens could head to the Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place in London each May.