A SINGLE mum-of-three has been slapped with a £75 fine for leaving extra rubbish outside her house during a bin collection.

Joanna Beck, who lives in Lodge Street, Accrington, received a letter from Hyndburn Council two weeks ago which stated she has to pay a £75 fine for ‘littering’ on the highway after two bin bags were placed at the side of the bin.

The 38-year-old, who has lived at the house for the last 18 months, doesn’t have a job and claims she can’t afford to pay the fine.

Ms Beck, 38, who used to live in Blackpool, said: “It’s frustrating.

“I do not mind paying for it but it’s the fact you do not get any help in flexible ways of paying.

“I asked what else I could do because I can’t afford to pay the fine.

“They said I have to and I showed my mother, who went mad.

“I want the council to be more helpful and offer a flexible way to pay, such as instalments or an extension.

“Not everyone has £75 to pay within 14 days.

“I’m a stay-at-home mum and have three children and I simply can’t pay it.”

Father-in-law Julian Wilkinson, 70, who lives in Hapton, said: “I just can’t believe it.

“I rang up the council asking them to extend the payment and we were refused and told Joanna will be in court if it is not paid by Monday.

“She has been fined £75 for dropping litter on the highway which I think is absolutely ridiculous,” Mr Wilkinson added.

“She has no money.

“She hasn’t got 75p, never mind £75.”

Ward councillor Joyce Holgate said leaflets were personally delivered to every single household in her ward.

She said: “If you go on the council website it’s quite clearly stated but she has only lived here for less than two years.

“I have spoken to the council about allowing her to pay in instalments.”

Cllr Paddy Short, who also represents the area, said: “The system exists to stop fly-tipping with which we have major problems in the borough.

“The £75 is to try stop fly tipping.

“If anyone has any concern about this they should contact the councillor who lives in their area.”