A landlord must pay over £4,500 after failing to clear waste from rental homes. 

Following complaints from neighbours, the rubbish allegedly attracted vermin and caused nuisance for local residents.

Blackburn with Darwen council officers initially worked with landlord Joseph Giovanni, offering advice and guidance to help resolve the issues. 

However, despite making contact and issuing a number of letters, no action was taken to remove the waste.

Formal warning notices were subsequently served under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 and the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949. 

When these notices were also ignored, the cases were brought before the courts.

The offences related to three properties. 

The court ordered the landlord to pay a total of more than £4,500 in fines, costs and victim surcharge.

A council spokesperson says: “Our officers made every effort to work with the landlord and resolve these issues without the need for court action. 

“Unfortunately, repeated advice, warnings and legal notices were ignored, leaving us with no option but to prosecute.

“This case demonstrates that we will take firm action where individuals fail to meet their responsibilities and allow environmental problems to negatively affect local communities.”