A woman has been hit with a four-figure bill after allowing rubbish and piles of dog poo to build up in what could be one of Kent’s grimmest gardens.

Folkestone resident Natalie Hixon allowed the waste to build up over a number of months – causing an “overpowering” odour which made neighbours’ lives hell.

The Canterbury Road resident was given several warnings by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) after a number of complaints over the stench emanating from the back of her house.

While some of the rubbish was removed, the dog poo continued to gather.

The council eventually took Ms Hixon to Margate Magistrates’ Court, where she was found guilty in her absence of breaching a Community Protection Notice.

She was fined £660 and ordered to pay £180 costs and a £264 victim surcharge. The total cost was £1,104.

Cllr Polly Blakemore, cabinet member for transport, regulatory services and building control, said: “Prosecutions are always a last resort, but action will be taken when people’s quality of life is being impacted by inconsiderate behaviour such as this.”

Residents can report any anti-social activity – including fly-tipping incidents for clearing up and investigation – via the council’s website.