Almost £3000 worth of fines have been issued to two households for failing to fix their messy, overgrown gardens.

Medway council took action against three residents in July 2017, sending them multiple letters warning them them to clean up their greenery.

Paul and Cherie Allingham from Saint Leonards Avenue, Chatham, had an back garden engulfed by ivy, and covered in rubbish.

Whilst John Crow, aged 55, from Haig Avenue Rochester had an overgrown tree in his front garden hanging over the public pavement.

By December neither household had pruned their garden to an acceptable standard and they were issued a court notice.

All failed to appear in court and were fined £500 and ordered to pay over £400 in court costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Enforcement, said: “Everyone has a responsibility to keep Medway clean and tidy and those who ignore our letters and notices will be prosecuted.

"We are committed to keeping Medway clean and tidy.”