A WOMAN has been fined after she failed to keep within the rules of a Community Protection Notice.

On September 22, Donna Waugh, who did not appear in court, was prosecuted for six charges of failure to comply with a notice issued by Chorley Council.

Mrs Waugh, 40, of Mendip Road, Chorley, was visited by council officers and PCSOs in July 2019 after reports of a strong smell of cannabis coming from her property, creating sleepless nights and anxiety for her neighbour.

During the visit Mrs Waugh was a warned that if it she persisted in smoking cannabis she would be issued with a Community Protection Warning which was later served in January 2020 after a further six incidents were reported.

After further incidents of the cannabis smell were recorded, a notice was served requiring Mrs Waugh to refrain from smoking cannabis that was causing distress to her neighbours. Her failure to do so on six occasions resulted in prosecution and a fine.

Cllr Alistair Morwood, executive member of Chorley Council (public protection) said “Anti-social behaviour can blight the lives of those who are affected by it.

"When this is suffered within the home as a result of a neighbour’s actions, it’s difficult to escape and can have a significant impact on the lives of residents and their families.

“We take these matters seriously and where possible try initially to tackle the problem informally, however if the problem continues as in this case, we will not hesitate to take further action which can end in prosecution for the perpetrator.”

The defendant’s blatant disregard for the law and the effects on her neighbours has resulted in an order to pay a £220 fine, £32 victim surcharge and £100 costs for the first offence, with no separate penalty for the other five offences.