Council pressure is put on litter louts

Any thoughts of the council taking their foot off the pedal when it comes to keeping the streets of Sunderland clean ought to be dispelled.

Last week we reported how a woman who dropped a half eaten pasty on the ground was, quite rightly, hit with a big fine.

This was alongside two others who were handed substantial fines for throwing away fag ends.

With these high profile cases getting big licks in the Sunderland Echo, it would be easy for the people in power to sit back and rest on their laurels.

We trust the city council is going to do no such thing.

And as we reveal today, they have kept their foot to the floor when dealing with litter louts.

Michelle Scott, of Mainsforth Terrace West, Hendon, Sunderland, has been ordered to pay £458 after pleading guilty to breaching the Environmental Protection Act by leaving clothing and general waste in black liners and carrier bags without permission.

While in mitigation she claimed that she had lost her wheelie bin, this is no excuse to flytip.

As Councillor Graeme Miller, the leader of Sunderland City Council, said : “Fly-tipping and littering is not only illegal but also a blight on our neighbourhoods and community.

“The majority of our residents take pride in the city, but there are always a few who spoil it for everyone else.”

A big hit in the pocket is a lesson not only to this woman, but to anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to litter our community. It will not be tolerated.