PEOPLE who leave their wheelie bins out on the pavements for days on end are to be targeted by Ipswich Council staff.The borough says that although leaving wheelie bins on pavements on collection days is sometimes unavoidable, the bins can cause a problem when they remain there for a number of days or all week.

PEOPLE who leave their wheelie bins out on the pavements for days on end are to be targeted by Ipswich Council staff.

The borough says that although leaving wheelie bins on pavements on collection days is sometimes unavoidable, the bins can cause a problem when they remain there for a number of days or all week.

They can cause an obstruction to those in wheelchairs, with prams, and those who are visually impaired.

It is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 to leave bins or sacks on the footpath on any other day than when they are to be collected. If a bin causes an accident the householder could be held liable for any damage or injury and sued in a court of law.

Ipswich Borough Council's StreetCare services will next month carry out a series of inspections both on a planned basis and in response to complaints and a warning band will be stuck over the lid of the wheel bin.

The householder will be written to and informed that their bin must not be left on the street and will be asked to remove it.

Bins not removed by householders within 10 -14 days of receiving the letter will be taken away by the Council and the offending household will in future receive a sack collection.

StreetCare employees are aware of the areas where bins on pavements are a problem however if you have particular concerns telephone StreetCare Customer Services on 01473 433090.

Do you support the crackdown on bins? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk