Hundreds found in breach of new waste laws in Newham after watchdogs swoops

Almost 400 litter clearance notices were served in just two days as Newham Council launched a huge clamp-down on waste in front gardens.

Those residents now have 28 days to clear away the rubbish - or face �110 fines. The crackdown came as part of Operation Ohio - a 48-hour operation earlier this month (Oct), targeting Manor Park and Little Ilford and tackling all forms of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Fifty-four flytips were also identified and are being investigated and four trade waste notices have been served.

Enforcement officers are warning that there will be no let up.

Councillor Unmesh Desai, Newham Council’s Executive Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “Waste dumped in gardens isn’t just unsightly. It is an environmental problem attracting rats and other vermin.

“It lowers the tone of the whole street. We’re saying to the people who litter their gardens: this isn’t acceptable and we won’t stand for it. We will keep fining people until they remove it. We are targeting the bad apples and doing this for the whole community.

“Crime and anti-social behaviour in Newham is totally unacceptable. We have a zero tolerance approach to it and will not stand for it in any shape or form.”

For more information on waste and recycling, visit http://www.newham.gov.uk/YourEnvironment/WasteAndRecycling.htm