A WOMAN has been fined a total of £331 for a littering offence in North Devon.

Ms Samantha Shelton, from Poltimore Lawn in Barnstaple, was prosecuted by North Devon Council, after she had left rubbish bags out on the kerbside eight days before her collection was due, back in September 2015.

As Ms Shelton did not attend the hearing at North and East Devon Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 10, the case was proved in her absence.

She has been ordered to pay a fine of £210, as well as £100 costs and a £21 victim’s surcharge.

North Devon Council executive member for environment, Cllr Rodney Cann, says: "People are legally required to dispose of their rubbish in a responsible manner and the vast majority of our district does.

“Part of that includes placing rubbish out no earlier than the night before a collection is due. We are always reluctant to take formal action.

“However, when we know these regulations are being ignored, leading to littering offences, we will investigate and take action if appropriate. This prosecution sends a clear message that we are serious about keeping our district clean and we hope residents will support us in achieving this."

To report a littering, flytipping or other environmental offence, please contact: [email protected] or telephone 01271 388870.

You can also report incidents on the council’s website: www.northdevon.gov.uk .

Alan Quick