Two County Durham residents have been fined over £600 after leaving litter strewn about outside their home for 11 months. 

The householders, from the New Kyo area of Stanley, have been handed hefty fines after allowing waste to build up in their front gardens. 

In June 2022, Neighbourhood Wardens from Durham County Council visited the address following a complaint and warning letters were issued giving the residents until the start of July to clear the waste.

Read more: Woman alleges she was told to 'go home and die' at West Park Hospital

The Neighbourhood Warden revisited the address in July and the waste was still there, Community Protection Notice's were issued allowing a further 14 days to remove the waste.

The Northern Echo: Litter spilling over the bins in StanleyLitter spilling over the bins in Stanley (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

At the start of August, a further revisit from the wardens was completed and the waste wasn't clear, and the waste was removed by the council and a casefile was submitted for prosecution.

The Northern Echo: The residents responsible have been fined £638 in courtThe residents responsible have been fined £638 in court (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

The defendants did not attend court on on May 2 this year, however the courts decided to hear the case in their absence.

The court imposed the following for each resident:

• Fine: £220

• Costs: £330

• Victim Surcharge: £88

𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹: £638.