ABANDONING a trailer at the roadside has left its owner with a bill of more than £800.

Stuart Bailey, 58, admitted parking the vehicle on Durham County Council-owned land, near his home in Darling Place, Stanley.

But, he failed to comply when asked to move it, and was given a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice, which he failed to pay.

Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard Bailey told a neighbourhood warden he needed six weeks to remove it, rather than the seven-day deadline set by the council, with Bonfire Night looming amid fears of it being a potential fire risk.

Bailey said he had been unable to repair it, due to ill-health, and had arranged for someone to collect it, but it was removed by the council beforehand.

He was fined £200 with an order to pay £590 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.