AN Accrington man has become the third person taken to court by his local council for leaving his rubbish bag out.

Ahmed Al Ghouf, 27, followed fellow Beech Street residents Mark Kay, 28, and Mavis Pearson, 58, who appeared in front of Hyndburn magistrates for similar offences in September.

The council was branded heartless at the time because Kay suffers from spina bifida and Pearson is a chronic asthmatic.

Ghouf appeared at court following the issue of a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice which had not been paid. A bag of refuse was found at the rear of his home in July and evidence was found in the bag to indicate the waste had come from his property.

Ghouf pleaded guilty to committing an offence under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £50 costs.

The prosecutions were the result of a 'zero tolerance' campaign launched in June to stop people leaving refuse bags out on any other day but collection day and not using their wheeled bins.

This has led to public health problems and a reported increase in rodents. To date, 53 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for litter-type offences.

Hyndburn Council portfolio holder for environmental services Councillor Ann Scaife, said: "Although we are slightly disappointed with the sentences handed out by magistrates for these offences, the council will continue to take a tough line against residents who breach environmental legislation."

Anyone wishing to dispose of furniture, domestic appliances and garden waste should contact the Council's Helpline on 01254 399988 to arrange a free collection.