A FLY-TIPPER who left a "disgusting" and "vile" mess inside a County Durham garage - which included dumping a shopping trolley and plastic sheeting - has been slapped with a hefty fine. 

The male, who hasn't yet been identified by Durham County Council, was caught at the end of last year ditching rubbish in his garage in Tanfield Lea, Stanley, with no intention of clearing it away. 

Despite wardens and officers from the county council visiting the property to order the resident to clear up his waste, which included building materials, a shopping trolley, plastic sheeting and debris, which the council adjudged to be "insecure" and "unsafe".

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After leaving the rubbish to accrue over a six month period, Durham County Council confirmed today (May 17) that they have fined the male £1585 after he appeared in court, having failed to pay a previous fine. 

The Northern Echo: The offending garage. Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL.The offending garage. Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL.

A spokesperson for the county council's wardens department said: "A male from Tanfield Lea, Stanley has been ordered to pay total costs of £1585 for Breaching a Community Protection Notice with regards to an insecure garage which contained waste.

"The offender was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice and told to clear the waste and secure the garage however failed to pay and failed to secure the garage therefore was summoned to court."

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