CAR owners in Sedgefield borough wanting to get rid of unwanted vehicles are warned the deadline is nearing to dispose of them for free.

Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership has been running an amnesty of unwanted vehicles since March last year.

In that time, 163 cars have been taken away .

The deadline is on March 31, and the partnership is encouraging owners to come forward now before it is too late.

Anybody who abandons their car after that date could face a fine of up to £250.

The amnesty is aimed at cleaning up Sedgefield borough and has been funded by the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Funding.

The Streetsafe team, operated by the council's Neighbourhood Wardens, has placed posters across the borough to encourage people to use the service.

For vehicle removal, or more information on the vehicle amnesty, call (01388) 816166 extension 8808 or 8850.