More than four trailer loads of rubbish were removed from garden "eyesores".

Barnet Council cleared three gardens in Gaydon Lane, Colindale, Alverstone Avenue, Oakleigh Park and Birley Road, Whetstone, after owners ignored official notices to cut back their yards.

Times Series: Birley Road land before the clear-upBirley Road land before the clear-up

Overgrown plants and rubbish were cleared, with the owners now expected to foot the bill.

Cllr Melvin Cohen, chairman of the planning committee, said: "The work carried out by the council highlights the responsibilities owners have for keeping their property in good order.

"In these cases, the council was left with no other option but to take enforcement action."

Times Series: Birley Road land after the clear-upBirley Road land after the clear-up

The property in Gaydon Lane required around four trailers full of rubbish to be removed, while an overgrown garden was cleared at Alverstone Avenue and a neglected plot of land was taken care of in Birley Road.

The council’s planning enforcement team is able to issue "untidy land notices" and if the owner fails to take action, the council can enter the land and carry out the work.

Cllr Cohen added: "It is very important that gardens and land are cared for and maintained to prevent them from becoming a blight on the local area."