A Melbourne resident has been slapped with a staggering £400 fine after council workers classified her discarded mattress as a potential "fire hazard". Laura Maultby, the unfortunate homeowner, claims she was simply following standard practice when she left the unwanted bed outside her property for collection.
The Controversial Fine
Council officials took just 24 hours to issue the penalty notice after spotting the mattress on the pavement. "I've always put large items out this way," Maultby explained. "The bin men normally take them when they do their rounds."
Council's Stern Defence
Local authorities maintain their hardline stance was justified. "Improperly disposed mattresses create significant risks," a spokesperson stated. "They can obstruct pathways and, as flammable items, pose genuine safety concerns."
Public Backlash Grows
The case has ignited fierce debate on social media platforms:
- Many residents argue the fine is disproportionate
- Some share similar experiences with council waste policies
- Others defend the council's position on public safety
Maultby has vowed to challenge the penalty, calling it "unfair and excessive". The case highlights growing tensions between residents and local councils over waste management policies across UK cities.
