A Barking resident has been fined more than £1,000 after repeatedly failing to clear an eyesore garden, despite warnings from Barking and Dagenham Council.

Miss Otero, of Dawson Avenue, was first visited by enforcement officers in February following complaints from residents about an accumulation of waste in her front garden, including black bags, plastic wrapping, cardboard boxes and wood.

Despite receiving an eyesore warning letter and later a Community Protection Notice requiring the waste to be cleared and the garden maintained, no action was taken. Officers revisited the property several times and found the waste remained, breaching the notice.

The case was heard at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 2 December 2025, where the court imposed a £140 fine, ordered her to pay £872 in costs, and a £56 victim surcharge, bringing the total to £1,068.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Residents told us they wanted cleaner, tidier streets and gardens – and we’re listening. Through our Cleaner BD campaign, we’re taking action against those who ignore the rules. It starts here, with all of us working together to keep our borough looking its best.”

If residents are aware of an eyesore garden, they should report it to the council online: https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/pests-pollution-noise-and-food/report-untidy-garden

Over the coming months, there will be lots of opportunities for residents to get involved in including days of action and signing the online pledge to keep the borough clean: Cleaner LBBD