Tidy properties or face jail and fines, council warns owners

HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned that they could face up to two years in jail, and fines of over €30,000, unless they paint and tidy up their properties.

Even failure to fix a loose slate, or remove a wall bracket for hanging flowers could land a homeowner behind bars, according to official warnings sent to householders in Co Meath.

The notices, issued under the 1990 Derelict Sites Act, are part of a 'blitz' by Meath County Council against what it sees as eyesores damaging its attempt to improve towns and villages throughout the county.