Fines have been handed out after mattresses, nappies and children's toys were ditched in County Durham - leaving council wardens to clear the sites on behalf of residents.

Over the weekend, wardens from Durham County Council patrolled parts of Ferryhill after reports of people leaving fly-tipping in their gardens and yards of homes. 

The Northern Echo: Children's toys and rubbish left in a garden in FerryhillChildren's toys and rubbish left in a garden in Ferryhill (Image: DCC WARDENS)

During the patrols, wardens found mattresses, other furniture items, household waste, nappies and children's toys and other litter. 

As part of the patrols, the wardens put out a post online highlighting images of the worst hit gardens, while also putting out a warning to people that choose to not clean their gardens full of waste. 

They said: "Another busy week in Ferryhill. Wardens have been engaging with tenants and landlord to have the waste removed, unfortunately, they were unable to comply within the allocated time so Durham County Council have disposed of it on their behalf.

"Residents can organise a bulky waste collection through Durham County Council.

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"Six small items - Bags of household waste, children's toys, dining chairs, a mirror or an airbed items is £18.

"Three large items - DIY items Doors, fridge freezer, sofa, cooker, mattress or table is £18.

"It may be that this is not the best way to get rid of your large items."

Council wardens also asked residents to consider:

  • Apply for a waste permit for household hazardous waste - we won't collect household hazardous waste
  • Reusing furniture and household items
  • Recycling centres (tips)
  • Skip Hire Network (for information on hiring a skip)