PEOPLE who have received a letter about dumped rubbish in their garden which claims to be from a district council are being warned it is a hoax.

The letter, which appears to have been sent by Thanet district council, was hand delivered to properties in the Prestedge Avenue area of Dumpton, near Ramsgate.

It informs residents that surveillance of the area has identified their property as having rubbish and recycling items dumped in the front garden.

It warns that such items should be kept at the back of the property and failure to comply would result in a prosecution and a possible heavy fine.

The letter finishes with the phrase: "No further warning will be given."

It is not headed paper, but does contain the council's address and contact details for the waste and recycling department. It claims to come from Graham Gosden, waste manager, but it is not signed by him.

Mr Gosden, whose correct title is waste collection manager, said: "This is nothing whatsoever to do with either myself or Thanet district council.

"We started to receive complaints from people about it, and understandably so, as it is not polite and has the potential to frighten householders.

Whoever is responsible for this hoax is causing distress and should be ashamed of themselves.

Anyone with information about the letter, which was delivered on Easter Sunday, is urged to contact Thanet district council on 01843 577115.