A HOUSING landlord has been fined £4,000 in Hyndburn's war on eyesore properties.

Hyndburn Council said it took action against Graham Flegg, of Hambledon View, Great Harwood, after complaints from neighbours in Haworth Street, Rishton.

Council officers found the house to be dilapidated, with broken windows, peeling paint work and lots of rubbish dumped in the rear yard.

They tracked down Mr Flegg and served a notice on him requiring him to carry out remedial works to bring the property up to a decent standard.

But the council said he ignored its request, so the council carried out the works itself and billed him for the costs.

Flegg was then taken to court for failing to comply with the order.

He was fined £525, handed a £15 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £100 legal costs and £3511.68 investigation and clean up costs.

If left unpaid the Coun Peter Clarke said the property would be sold within 10 months to obtain the money.

Coun Clarke, cabinet member for environmental issues for the council, said: "Eyesores like this one in Rishton really bring an area down and become a magnet for fly tipping and other kinds of anti social behaviour.

"People living around there shouldn’t have to put up with it and I’m glad that the court has dealt severely with this case, which should serve as a warning to others.

“We have started fighting back and we are determined not to let it happen.

"We want to send out a strong message to landlords that this is what we will do and we are determined.”