Dear Sir,
Today, I spent three hours cleaning leaves from paths in front of my home and my front lawn, which is in Gilpin Road, and is open plan.
I placed them in three bins, 1 regular waste bin and 2 brown bins. I thought I was doing a good service as the paths were unsafe with wet leaves, nearly a foot deep in places.
I phoned Durham County Council to ask if they would empty two extra bins this Friday with the normal waste. The answer was, NO. Getting upset I then told them that the leaves are not mine and all I was asking was that they empty two extra bins.
I then went on to say that I would re-deposit the leaves back onto the paths and verge. The Council’s reply was ‘DO IT’, you will then need to contact the Council to come clean them up!
As a 78 year old pensioner, safety is paramount. This problem with leaves is ongoing from Council and livin properties in this area.
What would my standing be if I were to blow these leaves from my open plan front lawn onto the path and road?
Possibly a court fine for littering. On further investigation, I found out the Council had been informed previously by a neighbour about the amount of leaves causing a nuisance and walking problems, but a machine they had sent could not manage the task, no more action has been done to date from the council.
Where does that ‘leave’ anyone in the same predicament as me?
Answer: Don’t help them by cleaning up the paths.
Happy Christmas all.
Ann Dunn
