Published November 30, 2017 at 16:17
Fines have been handed down for failure to dispose of waste following two successful prosecutions by Rossendale borough Council.
Richard Ashworth, of Brown Street, Bacup, was taken to court by the Council following complaints from residents.
The 37 year-old had allowed rotting household rubbish to build up in his back yard.
He was served with a Section 4 Legal Notice in June but failed to comply with it.
The rubbish was then removed by the Council and a prosecution was brought against him.
The Judge found Ashworth guilty of the offence under Section 4 and 5 Prevention of Damage by Pest Act 1949.
He was fined £440 and ordered to pay £500 costs and a £44 Victim Sur Charge.
Blackburn resident Mendi Khan, 40, was also fined for failure to remove waste from the rear of Capana Takeaway on Blackburn Road, Haslingden.
The waste also consisted of decaying rubbish which could have led to an attraction of pests.
Khan of Edith Street, Blackburn, committed the offence when he formerly owned the Capana Takeaway.
He was served with a warning notice as well as the Section 4 Notice in June, but did not comply.
As a result he was fined £440, ordered to pay £602.56 costs and a £44 Victim Sur Charge.
Yasmin Ahmed, Legal Officer, represented the Council at the hearings at Burnley Magistrates Court.
Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations at Rossendale Borough Council, said:
“The Council takes waste issues like these very seriously as they can attract and harbour pests like rats and are also an eye sore for local residents. Therefore I would urge residents to report such issues so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action. Reports can be made by contacting the Council’s Operations Team on 01706 217777 Option 3.
I’d also like to thank all of the Council officers who worked hard to bring these cases to court and are dedicated to keeping Rossendale a clean and green borough.”
