DUMPING fallen leaves on to the pavement or highway could land people with a fly-tipping fine, residents are being warned.

The warning was issued as the One Trafford Partnership has announced it has collected 800 tonnes of leaves from across Trafford’s roads and footpaths in two months.

The partnership, a collaboration between Trafford Council and Amey, which began the fallen leaf removal at the start of October, is now into its eighth week, clearing 17 wards including Altrincham, Bowdon, Clifford, Gorse Hill, Davyhulme East, Davyhulme West, Longford, Stretford, Timperley and Urmston.

The team will be continuing the leafing programme into December until all the wards are cleared and in an acceptable condition.

As leaves naturally fall on to the roads, including gullies, and footpaths, they are swept up by the four leafing teams.

But when leaves fall on to private property ­— including gardens and driveways ­— it is the responsibility of the householder to remove them.

The council is reminding residents that by pushing or blowing leaves from their own property on to the public highway is a littering offence and is classed as fly-tipping, depending on the amount involved.

If residents hold a garden waste permit, they can recycle their fallen leaves in their green bin. Residents without a permit take collected leaves to a recycling centre or even compost it at home.

Executive member for environment, air quality and climate change Cllr Stephen Adshead said: “It is understandable that leaf fall can be an inconvenience sometimes, however, this is why we have dedicated leafing teams out in the borough clearing and sweeping the highways. The teams operate seven days a week clearing leaves from 5.30am to 7pm.”

“Please remember that leaves which have fallen on to your property should not be swept or blown on to the public highway and I would ask anyone who has a gardener to remind them to collect the leaves and dispose of them responsibly.

“We are very grateful to people who help maintain our public spaces and recognise that the support we receive from community groups and individuals makes a real difference.

"We would discourage anyone from sweeping leaves off the public highway for safety reasons and ask that if your street requires cleaning due to heavy leaf fall that it is reported online at my.trafford.gov.uk or by calling 03330 035865.”