Rossendale man, 35, fined more than £1,000 after leaving van at side of road

Vincent Bagshaw of Foxhill Drive, Whitewell Bottom, Rossendale, was found guilty of abandoning a vehicle during a hearing at Burnley Magistrates Court.

He was ordered to pay costs as well as compensation following a case brought by Rossendale Borough Council as bosses continue their war against abandoned vehicles and fly tipping

Mr Bagshaw left the van parked with no MOT, no road tax and insecure.

The vehicle had been parked for so long it was rusty and had foliage growing underneath.

It was also deemed to be an eyesore and was taking up valuable car parking space, so much so that residents complained to the council.

A fixed penalty notice was issued to Mr Bagshaw as the registered keeper, which he failed to pay, resulting in the court proceedings.

He was convicted of the offence resulting in a fine of £440 and ordered to pay £716 enforcement costs and £225 compensation with a £44 victim surcharge – a total of £1,425.

A council spokesperson said: “Operation Trident, launched earlier this year, is helping us to successfully target incidences such as this.

"Rossendale Borough Council takes these issues very seriously and is committed to delivering a cleaner and greener borough.

“We have stepped up enforcement and will take a tough stance with those who blight our communities with fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, littering and dog fouling.

“We were pleased the prosecution was successful and hope this will deter others from acting in a similar way.”