COUNTY NEWS: Couple fined £500 each for untidy garden

A COUPLE were fined a combined total of £1,000 for failing to maintain their garden.
Delays continue following the serious collisionDelays continue following the serious collision
Delays continue following the serious collision

On Wednesday, January 13, Antony and Gael Lenton appeared at Chichester Magistrates’ Court, where they were prosecuted by Adur & Worthing Council’s legal team after failing to comply with a notice to clear rubbish and discarded items from their garden in Freshbrook Road, Lancing, and ordered to pay a £500 fine each.

Concerns were raised about the condition of their garden by the council’s pest control officer during the treatment for vermin in a neighbouring property.

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The environmental protection team served a notice under the Prevention of Damage by Pest Act 1949, giving Mr and Mrs Lenton 21 days to clear all overgrowth of vegetation and remove all accumulated refuse and discarded items from the garden. Unfortunately, even after follow-up visits and numerous attempts to resolve this matter, things did not improve, leaving the council no option but to seek prosecution.

Mr and Mrs Lenton were each ordered to pay a £500 fine for non-compliance with the notice, £50 each victim surcharge and a total of £1082.90 in costs.

Councillor Keith Dollemore, Adur District Council executive member for environment, said: “When all informal attempts at resolution are exhausted, as they sadly have been in this case, the Environmental Health Department will recommend and enforce prosecution to protect the wider public health.

“But they will also endeavor to work with the public and offer support and practical advice on how to avoid further prosecution and maintain acceptable levels of property management.”

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Adur & Worthing Councils will now work with the family to ensure the clearance is completed and the condition of the garden maintained at a satisfactory standard.

Further information on environmental health services for residents can be found on the Adur & Worthing Councils website at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/environmental-health/

Also on the website, information on the council’s bulky waste service: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/bulky-waste/

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