A householder who left items ‘free to take’ outside their home has been fined after they were dumped in an alley.

Cherwell District Council issued the householder with a £200 fine for failing in their duty of care.

The Banbury resident was unable to give a reason why the furniture and household items were found and assumed that – when they were gone – someone had taken them.

Councillor Dan Sames, Cherwell District Council’s Lead Member for Clean and Green, said: “It’s important that residents ensure that their unwanted items are disposed of properly to avoid the risk of them being dumped elsewhere by third parties and then being liable for a fine.

“Whilst in this case, the resident had the best of intentions by leaving items outside their property with a ‘free to a good home’ sign they had no idea of where the items would end up.

“Making use of Cherwell’s bulky item collection service or taking them to either a charity shop or recycling centre are much safer options and will avoid residents being issued with a fine.”

Illegal waste disposal in a public place is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a magistrates' court.

The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years' imprisonment for perpetrators convicted in a crown court.