A CAFE owner has been fined by magistrates after leaving rubbish out on the street.
Feisal Pradlau, owner of the Lunch Box cafe, Holmesdale Road, Bromley, was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £1,000 for wilfully obstructing the highway.
Mr Pradlau pleaded guilty at Bromley Magistrates' Court to leaving bread trays, cardboard boxes, rubbish sacks and a trolley outside the rear of his shop, blocking the pavement.
The council's enforcement and technical support manager, Peter Turvey, said: "Leaving rubbish out on the pavement, even temporarily, is dangerous and causes difficulties for pedestrians.
"Traders need to store their waste safely and securely without blocking the pavement."
The court heard complaints about the mess outside the cafe were first made to the council in September 2002.
Pradlau was warned three times to clear the pavement but legal action was taken after a fourth visit.
Legally, shops and businesses must dispose of their own waste and cannot store it on the public highway.
To report street problems, call the street services help desk on 020 8313 4621.
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