TWO men who left stinking rubbish to rot in back yards have been fined hundreds of pounds in court.

Richard Ashworth, of Brown Street, Bacup, had allowed rotting household rubbish to build up in his back yard, a Burnley Magistrates Court heard.

The 37-year-old was taken to court by Rossendale Council following complaints from neighbouring residents about the mess.

But after he failed to comply with a section four legal notice in June, the rubbish was then removed by the council and a prosecution brought against him.

A judge found Ashworth guilty of the offence under section four and five of the Prevention of Damage by Pest Act 1949.

He was fined £440 and ordered to pay £500 costs and a £44 victim surcharge.

While Blackburn resident Mendi Khan was also fined for failure to remove waste from the rear of Capana Takeaway in Blackburn Road, Haslingden.

The waste also consisted of decaying rubbish which council bosses said ‘could have led to an attraction of pests' including rats.

Khan, of Edith Street, Blackburn, committed the offence when he formerly owned the Capana Takeaway.

The 40-year-old was served with a warning notice as well as the section four notice in June, but did not comply.

As a result he was fined £440 by magistrates and ordered to pay £602.56 costs and a £44 victim surcharge.

Yasmin Ahmed, legal officer, represented Rossendale Council at the hearings both hearings at Burnley Magistrates Court.

Cllr Jackie Oakes, portfolio holder for operations at Rossendale Council, said the council takes waste issues like these ‘very seriously’.

“These matters are treated seriously as they can attract and harbour pests like rats and are also an eyesore for local residents,” she said.

She added: “Therefore I would urge residents to report such issues so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

“Reports can be made by contacting the council’s operations team.

"I’d also like to thank all of the council officers who worked hard to bring these cases to court and are dedicated to keeping Rossendale a clean and green borough.”

Anyone wanting to report an issue in their area should call Rossendale Council on 01706 217777 and selection option 3.