A WOMAN from Nelson must pay £510 for leaving out her wheelie bin after collection day.

Samantha Louise Ashworth, 30, of Tavistock Street, failed to appear before Reedley magistrates on February 14 but the case was proved in her absence.

On October 9 last year, Ashworth was sent a warning letter after her bin had been seen left out on the street after collection day.

But she did not take in her bin and on October 25 the council’s neighbourhood pride officer served a Section 46 notice on her, which required her to store her bin within her property.

The officer returned 21 days later and the bin was still on the street.

Ashworth received an £80 fine but did not pay, and was taken to court where she was fined £400 plus costs.

Coun John David, who represents environmental services in Pendle, said: “Here’s another person who has no regard for the appearance of their neighbourhood.

“Leaving out your bin is unsightly, inconsiderate to others, and can also cause an obstruction to traffic and pedestrians.”