Residents told to remove synthetic turf or be fined

Some Perth residents have received letters from their council being told they have to tear up the synthetic turf on their verges or risk paying fine.

Fines can be up to $5000 and additional $500 for each day it hasn’t been removed.

The Rockingham Council says it wants all verges to be turf-free within the next 18 months to two years.

A petition against the council’s decision quickly gained traction online, with around 300 signatures from local residents.

Some homeowners are preparing to ask questions at a council meeting being held tonight.

Residents say there was no public consultation and that they were told in 2012 they were allowed the fake turf.

So far 16 people have received a letter from the council.

Council has cited concerns about the safety of the turf and is awaiting a report.

However they have in recent years laid synthetic grass at nearby tennis and cricket courts.