Brits warned they face £1,000 fine if they fail to do one thing before storm

A home expert has delivered a stark warning to Britons to batten down their gardens ahead of thunderstorms, cautioning that failing to do so could land them with fines of up to £1,000.

Neil McKenzie, a home specialist at Halton Stairlifts, emphasised that homeowners could face penalties under the Highways Act 1980 if their loose outdoor belongings block public walkways during stormy conditions.

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."

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McKenzie highlighted the danger of powerful winds which can turn unsecured items into lethal missiles, posing risks to both people and buildings.

He noted that penalties for garden debris or overgrown vegetation spilling onto public footpaths could hit £1,000, with repeat violations potentially attracting stiffer sanctions under the Highways Act 1980, reports the Express.

The expert recommended: "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 urged the public to prepare an emergency kit, emphasising that despite all necessary precautions, power cuts and other urgent situations can still happen during severe weather conditions, hence the need to be ready for any eventuality.

Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like torches, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and some non-perishable food. It's also wise 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, emphasises that strict regulations must be adhered to when creating your new outdoor seating area.

Altering your garden's layout could impact 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 changes.

These authorities typically carry out inspections to ensure that any work doesn't increase flood risks or harm local ecosystems.

If your property modifications negatively 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 result in fines of up to £5,000 for individuals or £20,000 for businesses.

If you plough on without planning permission and later find out it was necessary, you can apply for retrospective approval. The planning officer might then ask you to alter your plans, even if the building work is already finished.

This could obviously be an expensive mistake. Furthermore, not adhering to an enforcement notice is a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution.