FILTHY householders who let their gardens turn into monster rubbish tips could be named and shamed under a new clampdown. Council bosses on Thursday launched a new patrol to wipe clean the borough s biggest eyesores along a vast swathe of east Dagenham be

FILTHY householders who let their gardens turn into monster rubbish tips could be named and shamed under a new clampdown.

Council bosses on Thursday launched a new patrol to wipe clean the borough's biggest eyesores along a vast swathe of east Dagenham between The Heathway and the Docks.

Barking & Dagenham Council warned that residents who fail to clear their mess could be dragged through the courts and fined, with details passed onto the media and published online.

In July, private landlord Bradmoss Ltd was ordered to pay �12,000 for letting rotting food, used nappies and furniture build up in Berengers Place, Dagenham, for more than six months.

Council chiefs added they had "numerous powers" to prosecute flytippers, including the Environmental Protection Act, Town and Country Planning Act and the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act.

People who dump trade waste face unlimited fines and even a spell behind bars under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Council chief Cllr Liam Smith said they were "taking action" following concerns from residents.

The Labour leader said: "There is a small minority who spoil the look of our streets by treating their front gardens like rubbish tips or allowing hedges and bushes to grow to jungle proportions.

"Where there is a good reason for this, we will support people as much as we can."

The Eyesore Gardens team will at first patrol the Village, Alibon and River wards, aiming to contact householders within 24 hours to help them clear their

gardens.

The clampdown will then be rolled out across Barking & Dagenham.

The team can be reached on 020 8215 3010.