Tewkesbury Borough Council could begin to fine residents for leaving empty wheelie bins on the pavement.

The plans to stop bins being left on the street follows a petition that was run between March and May 2025 by Tewkesbury Civic Society, which sought to rid the town conservation area of ‘bin blight’.

According to the local group, the obstruction of pavements by ‘permanently located waste and recycling bins’ is unhygienic and contributes to the degradation of the environment.

They also argue that it devalues properties and makes paths less accessible for people with disabilities and prams.

Following the petition, the council’s overview and scrutiny committee has set up a working group to target the concerns, as well as proposing an amendment to the council’s waste and recycling policy to ensure bins are removed from streets after collections have been completed.

The committee’s recommendations also include implementing a ‘graduated approach to enforcement’, including the issuing of warning letters and fixed penalty notices for those who breach the policy.

However, a report from the committee meeting on Tuesday explains that the resources required to introduce a project including enforcement are not currently available, as well as highlighting that funding would need to be located to support the pilot project.

Cllr Murray Stewart, Lead Member for Environmental Services, said: ‘Our aim isn’t to issue fines but to work with residents so that bins are removed from pavements.

‘We’re exploring practical solutions, including the use of sacks which may be easier for residents to store. A fully costed plan will be brought to council in the coming months.’

The council are still due to meet to discuss the recommendations and possible enforcement methods.