OWNERS of vehicles they are keen to get rid of conveniently and legally will have the chance for the remainder of this month.

As a result of the success of an abandoned vehicles amnesty held in August, the exercise is being repeated during October.

It is again being run by Wyre Forest District Council, in line with its commitment to improving the environment.

August's amnesty led to 22 vehicles good enough only for the scrapheap being collected.

Councillor Marcus Hart, the council's cabinet member for commercial services, said: "Abandoned vehicles do concern residents. When people dump their old banger, it lowers the tone of their neighbourhood and becomes a tempting target for anti-social behaviour.

"Last year, we picked up 60 cars which could have ended up abandoned. We also want to raise awareness of how people can, responsibly, dispose of cars and how to report abandonded vehicles."

To take up the amnesty offer, owners' vehicles have to be complete and they must have the logbook.

Kidderminster Car Dismantlers will dispose of the vehicles, removing all dangerous materials, such as petrol, oil, brake-fluid and batteries for recycling before the bodywork is crushed and material recycled.

Since April this year, the district council has had greater powers to remove abandoned vehicles from the streets, under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

The law means an abandoned car can be removed immediately and the owner hit with a £200 fine. They will also have to pay to get the vehicle back, as well as for its storage.

Residents can report abandoned vehicles by calling the council's customer services on 01562 732928 or filling in an online form at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk. To arrange collection of an unwanted vehicle, call Kidderminster Car Dismantlers on 01562 755929.