A COUNCIL is clamping down on rubbish dumping residents.

Eleven households in the Bensham area have been successfully prosecuted by Gateshead Council for dumping bags of rubbish in their back lane instead of their wheeled bin.

The authority decided to take legal action against anti-social householders because of the effect their actions were having on the Bensham and Saltwell area.

Gateshead magistrates have backed the campaign by imposing fines of up to £175 on ten defendants. Another 29 cases are pending.

Councillor Gordon Spring said: "There can be no excuse for leaving rubbish in the street.

"As well as spoiling the environment for everyone else, rubbish constitutes a real health hazard and makes the whole area look unsightly."