FIFTEEN tons of rotting rubbish were forcibly removed from a back garden in Greenford after complaints from neighbours.

It included flammable gas bottles, broken lawnmowers and a dead animal.

Ealing Council took action over potential safety hazards and a fire risk at the house in Kings Avenue.

An untidy land notice was served after several requests to clear the waste and rubbish were ignored.

The owner failed to comply with the notice, which requested clearance of the rubbish within two months.

In April, planning officers and specialist contractors entered the garden under authorised powers of entry.

Hazards were identified, including old car parts and building waste, as the rubbish was removed. The cost of the rubbish clearance, at £15,000, will be charged to the owner, a Mr Williamson, and placed as a charge on the land if it is not paid within four weeks.

Pat Hayes, executive director of regeneration and housing, said: "I hope this is a reminder that the council has the legal powers to take action to deal with excessive hoarding of waste material when this starts to impact on the well-being of others.”