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How overgrown is your garden?
Ref : 08/039 : Date : 06-05-2008
Neighbours complaints about an untidy, overgrown garden led to a £100 fine for David Leslie Hallett of 37 George V Avenue in Lancing. Mr Hallett who failed to turn up at Worthing Magistrates Court last week (28/4/08) was prosecuted by Adur District Council.
He was found guilty of failing to comply with a notice telling him to clear his front and rear gardens of brambles, weeds and various overgrown vegetation. He was fined £100, ordered to pay costs of £100 and £15 towards victim support organisations.
Mr Hallett’s neighbours had made several complaints to the council about the state of the gardens claiming that his brambles were coming through their fences. The council made many attempts to contact Mr Hallett and encourage him to tidy up his garden. And in 2005 took matters into their own hands and did the job for him and then charged him.
Councils have the power to require private landowners to clean up land when its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area. It also has the power to take direct action to clear the land itself and charge the cost of the work to the landowner.
Adur and Worthing councils executive head of planning, regeneration and wellbeing, James Appleton said: “The council’s decision to prosecute is very much a matter of last resort, but given the background to this case it was the only realistic option to ensure compliance with the notice. This action demonstrates the council’s commitment to project the amenities of local residents and improve the appearance of the district.”
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