A home expert has issued a stark warning to Britons to secure their gardens if thunderstorms hit, warning that failure to do so could result in fines up to £1,000.
Neil McKenzie, a home specialist at Halton Stairlifts, highlighted that homeowners could face penalties under the Highways Act 1980 if their unsecured outdoor belongings obstruct public walkways in stormy weather.
He said: “You should always ensure that you and your property comply with the law. When there are severe weather warnings, this becomes even more important, as non-compliance could put other people’s lives in danger.”
McKenzie stressed the peril of strong winds which can transform loose items into dangerous projectiles, threatening both individuals and structures.
He pointed out that fines for garden clutter or overgrown plants encroaching on public pathways could reach £1,000, with repeated offences potentially incurring harsher punishments under the Highways Act 1980.
The expert advised: “Store your garden furniture, ornaments, and tools in a shed or garage. If that’s not possible, bring whatever you can indoors and securely anchor any remaining items to prevent them from moving or flying away during high winds.
“You should also consider trimming any overhanging branches or nearby trees, as these can cause significant damage if they break during a storm.”
He also implored the public to assemble an emergency kit, highlighting that despite taking all necessary precautions, power cuts and other urgent situations can still occur during severe weather conditions, hence the necessity of being prepared for any eventuality.
Put together an emergency kit with essentials like torches, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and some non-perishable food. It’s also prudent to have a list of emergency contact numbers at hand, including your utility providers and local services.
Helen Godsiff, brand manager at leading home improvement experts Eurocell, stresses that strict regulations must be followed when creating your new outdoor seating area.
Modifying your garden’s layout could affect elements such as retaining walls, drainage systems, pipework or neighbouring properties. It’s always sensible to consult with your local planning authority before making any alterations.
These authorities typically conduct inspections to ensure that any work doesn’t increase flood risks or harm local ecosystems.
If your property modifications adversely affect your neighbours, such as causing their garden to flood, you could be served an abatement notice by the local council. Ignoring this notice can lead to fines of up to £5,000 for individuals or £20,000 for businesses.
If you forge ahead without planning permission and later discover it was required, you can apply for retrospective approval. The planning officer may then ask you to modify your plans, even if the construction is already complete.
This could clearly be costly. Moreover, failing to comply with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution.
