Owner of empty home fined for refuse in garden
Monday 9 January 2012
Complaints from neighbours about rubbish in a Coventry front garden have led to Coventry Magistrates fining the homeowner almost £700.
Coventry City Council's Private Sector Housing Team brought the prosecution against Allan Taylor, of Mary Herbert Street, Cheylesmore.
The complaints centred around a property the 75-year-old owns on Cross Road, Foleshill.
Coventry Magistrates heard that the Foleshill property had been empty for some time during which a wide range of refuse had built up in the front garden. It led to neighbours complaining that it was attracting mice.
Coventry City Council's Private Sector Housing Team served a statutory notice on Mr Taylor requiring the removal of waste and refuse from the front garden.
After failing to comply with the notice, a prosecution was brought leading to Magistrates fining Mr Taylor £250. He was also ordered to pay £416 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Steve Chantler, Coventry City Council's Senior Housing Enforcement said such anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
"It is very unpleasant for those neighbours who have to live next to such cases and not acceptable," he said.
"I hope this prosecution sends out a clear message, that we will not tolerate properties which are unattended and left to become a magnet for waste and fly-tipping."
He added: "Coventry City Council is committed to bringing empty properties back into use and improving housing standards within the city.
"Our Empty Property Officer is able to assist owners on how they can bring such properties back into use. However, where they fail to co-operate we will use our full range of enforcement powers."
