Man Fined over Untidy Garden

A man has been told to pay £2,000 for not tidying up the garden of a house he owns in Strood.

51 year-old bus driver Barrie Taylor, who lives in south east London, didn't turn up to a recent court hearing but was fined anyway.

We've been sent this picture of the garden in Woodstock Road in Strood.

At an earlier hearing, a court was told that the garden was overgrown, full of dustbin bags, old chairs, an old fridge, a washing machine and two old beds.

Andy McGrath, Medway Council's Assistant Director for Frontline Services, said: "If you allow your garden to get into this kind of state it not only has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of your neighbours, it makes the while area look bad as well.

"In January, he was told by the court to clear up his front and back garden immediately or face a further fine for every day that he failed to do so.

"The council first became involved in this case in June 2008 and our Environmental Enforcement Officers have consistently asked this homeowner to sort this eyesore out.

"It is only because he has chosen not to do so that he has received such a large fine.

"The council's officers work hard to make Medway a better place for everyone. This case sends a strong message to those who think we will not take action against them."