A Dover litter bug has been prosecuted for repeatedly leaving his waste bin and bags on the street.

Ryan Aylett, 30, of MacDonald Road, has been fined £270 after the district council received numerous complaints.

He was sent warning letters, then issued with a fixed penalty notice – which he did not pay.

His failure to pay led to his prosecution.

Mr Aylett was represented at Canterbury Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a notice served under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act.

“Waste bins and bags left on the street are one of the biggest causes of complaint, attracting seagulls and vermin as well as creating a hazard for pedestrians" - Nick Kenton, DDC

He was then fined £100 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £150.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, portfolio holder for environment, waste and planning, said: “Waste bins and bags left on the street are one of the biggest causes of complaint, attracting seagulls and vermin as well as creating a hazard for pedestrians.

“We’re happy to work with residents where they need support to better manage their waste storage.

“But we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where repeated irresponsible behaviour impacts on others.”

Waste bins and bags should only be left out at the boundary of a resident’s property on the day of collection.

Residents who need help and advice with managing their waste storage should contact customer services at: customerservices@dover.gov.uk or on 01304 872428.

For more information on environmental protection in the Dover district, or to report a problem area, see www.dover.gov.uk/litter