THE owner of a derelict property has been fined and told to clean up the house after failing to carry out repairs.

Edward Grant, of Hollins Lane, Baxenden was found guilty in his absence at Blackburn Magistrates Court of failing to comply with a community protection notice requiring him to carry out repairs.

The prosecution brought by Hyndburn Council involved 31 Frederick Street, Oswaldtwistle, which has stood empty since 2009.

The court heard the council had received many complaints over the last eight years including calls about leaking gutters, spreading damp, broken windows and a build of rubbish in a rear yard.

Magistrates were told the community protection notice served under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 allowed the council to require a person or a business to stop any behaviour that is considered to be anti-social in nature.

The court heard Grant had failed to abide by the notice and the state of the property had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of residents living nearby.

Cllr Clare Cleary, Hyndburn Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We’ve received many complaints over the years about this property.

“It’s caused damp with leaking gutters and broken windows and there was rubbish in the yard.

“This is not fair on people living nearby and we will always take people who refuse to bring their property into a decent state of repair to court, when, as in this case, they ignore our requests and notices to carry out the work.”

The anti-social behaviour remedial order made by the court now means Grant must carry out the repairs.

Cllr Cleary said: “The court ordered Mr Grant to pay fines and costs of £1,386 and also handed him an Anti-Social Behaviour Remedial Order ordering him to carry out the work.”

Cllr Peter Britcliffe said: “It is quite frightening how long this has gone for and clearly distressing to the people in the area.

“It is very distressing when this goes on for so long because there is nothing worse than living next to an empty property which has these issues.

“These problems were worse years ago and have got better over time but clearly still exist.

“These issues don’t merely become a problem for the owner but the neighbours as well.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn Council leader, said: “Issues of this nature have a major impact on neighbouring properties and a negative impact on the streets.

“When the council has the power to do so we will help out the residents.”