05/09/11 - Untidy garden leads to large fine

A mother and son who live in Barnwood face fines and costs totalling more than £1500 – for failing to tidy their garden.

The couple ignored official requests and then formal instructions to clear up their garden which was covered with overgrown weeds to the extent that it ‘pushed out’ a neighbouring fence.

Now Gloucester Magistrates have fined them £525 each. They also have to pay a victim surcharge of £30 along with costs to the council amounting to £500.

Council Leader Paul James, who has responsibility for planning issues in the city, commented: “This is anti social behaviour which directly affects neighbours and blights communities.

“We don’t take action like this lightly. The couple concerned have been visited and written to and were allowed a generous period of time to carry out what was quite a large job. They agreed a time scale for the work which has not been complied with and ultimately we were left with no option but to take legal action.

“They now face having to pay a substantial fine and costs – and they still have to complete the work. If they don’t they could find themselves back in court again.”

End

PR/080/2011

September 5^th, 2011