'Be aware of the environment police': Tooting resident shocked as 'one bag of rubbish' threatens £2500 fine

A Tooting resident has taken to social media to complain about a £150 fine they received for leaving 'one bag of rubbish' outside their home.

The rubbish bag was reportedly left out on the correct day in the late afternoon.

"Be aware of the environment police," they wrote.

"They photographed my single bag and when I objected they said if I didn't pay it would go to court and I would have to pay £2500."

The resident said they first thought it was a scam so wrote to the Chief Executive of Wandsworth Council.

The resident continued: "They said they would forward it to the people concerned but no reply from them.

"They finally wrote saying as I hadn't paid it would go to court unless I paid immediately.

"So as it's such a stress buster I paid up.

"But it's outrageous during a global pandemic people are snooping around photographing peoples quite legal rubbish."

Residents have been discussing the fine and seem divided on the decision.

One resident replied: "I do agree with the council. It is a disgrace of what is scattered on the pavement on collection days.

"Especially in a time of pandemic as you mentioned, we should remember that hygiene is important. If your bins are too small, I would suggest you buy bigger ones."

Another resident said: "These reports of this happening to various people are an absolute joke. It seems like they are just trying to grab money from us any way they can. It's ridiculous."

A statement on Wandsworth Council's website states 'placing dustbins or waste sacks on the public pavement can result in a fine of up to £2,500'.

Wandsworth Council has been contacted for comment.

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