A company has been ordered to pay over £1,800 after a yard at a County Durham home was found to have health and vermin risks.
Durham County Council inspected a house in Horden in August last year after concerns were raised regarding the state and condition of the rear yard. Waste materials had built up and there was a blocked drain gully, along with incomplete waste provision to allow for proper drainage, resulting in a risk to health.
A council tax search found Front Worth Limited, of Pinfold Street, Birmingham, to be the owner of the property, with these details being later confirmed by a Land Registry check. A notice under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, requiring the owner to carry out works to keep the land and property free from vermin, was then served by the authority but was not responded to.
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A separate response, however, was received from an individual who stated that the property did not belong to Front Worth Limited and that it had been sold some time ago. As there was clear evidence it was the registered proprietor, officers served a separate notice, requiring the company to state in writing the nature of its interest in the Horden property within 14 days.
Given the health and vermin risks presented by the state of the yard, the council required the information. However, no reply was received. The case was later heard at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, where the company was fined £1,100 and ordered to pay £300 costs and a £440 victim surcharge, totalling £1,840.
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s public protection manager, said: “All landlords have a duty to follow the necessary guidance and ensure appropriate work is carried out to their properties to help protect the health and safety of tenants and communities.
“While the majority of landlords work with us to ensure this remains the case, we hope this prosecution serves as a warning to the minority who fail to comply with instructions. This behaviour will not be tolerated and we will always take action where necessary.”
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