A MAN has been ordered to pay £125 following a council crackdown on leaving recycing sacks out on the wrong day.

Paul Dragoon, 40, was also found guilty of dumping a pink rubbish sack after putting it out for collection on the wrong day.

Dragoon of Somercotes, Laindon did not appear at Basildon Magistrates Court and was fined £50 in his absence and ordered to pay £75 costs.

The prosecution formed part of a blitz by Basildon Council. Residents face a £75 fine if they are caught dropping litter, failing to recycle waste or putting out rubbish early or on the wrong day.

As part of the clampdown environmental officers beefed up their patrols at five litter hotspots include Basildon, Wickford and Billericay town centres, Felmores shops and Basildon Hospital.

Five residents have been fined £75 each since the campaign began.