TWO Blackburn with Darwen residents have been prosecuted for failing to clean up dirty backyards which were causing a nuisance.

Council officers found a large amount of household waste at a property in Parkinson Street, Blackburn, in June 2017.

Leanne Scott was served a notice requiring her to clean it up, and after she failed to do so the council was forced to intervene.

At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court she was ordered to pay a total of £1,569 in fines and costs.

Also in June 2017, officers were called to Frances Street, Darwen, where they found a large amount of household waste in the backyard.

Mark Ashton was served with a notice to clear the waste, but failed to do so, again forcing the council to act.

At the same court he was ordered to pay a total of £547 in fines and costs.

Following the successful prosecutions, Cllr Jim Smith, executive member for environment on Blackburn with Darwen Council, issued a warning.

He said: “It is a shame we were forced to prosecute in these cases, but the council was left with no choice.”

“When someone fails to clear up their mess, which is causing a nuisance, we will never walk away from our responsibilities to the majority of law-abiding citizens in the borough.

“If that means prosecuting the person responsible, then so be it.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan said: “This type of thing can cause a health hazard to children in the area.

“We do everything possible to stop this.

“We try to help people keep tidy and advise them and send them letters to remind them.

“They have ample opportunity to stop it going to court, but We have to take firm action to clamp down on this and will continue to do so.”