A property owner in west Hull has been prosecuted by Citysafe's
environmental crime unit for failing to clean up their property.

On Tuesday 7 July 2009, Raymond William Atkinson, aged 48, of Nectan Close,
was found guilty in his absence by Hull Magistrates' Court for failing to
comply with a Statutory Notice served under section 215 Town And Country
Planning Act 1990.

Mr Atkinson applied to re-open the case so that he could provide mitigation
for the offence. However, he failed to attend the second Magistrates' Court
hearing and consequently his application was dismissed.

Following this second hearing the court ordered the original fine and costs
to stand. Mr Atkinson has been ordered to pay a £850 fine, £476 costs and
£15 victim surcharge. In addition Mr Atkinson is being charged £2,480 for
works carried out in default by the council. This brings the total cost to
Mr Atkinson of £3,821.

This prosecution was brought in response to complaints to Citysafe from the
community in August 2008 regarding the condition of a property on St
George's Road, Hull, and the effect that this was having on the appearance
of the local neighbourhood and the quality of life of residents.

An investigation by an enforcement officer in September 2008 found that the
condition of the property was unacceptable and affecting the visual amenity
of nearby residents.

An informal letter was sent to Mr Atkinson asking that he cleaned up the
property within a set period. A further inspection of the property revealed
that no action had been taken. As a result a decision was taken to serve a
Statutory Notice under section 215 Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (As
Amended).

The notice informed Mr Atkinson of the steps he needed to take and the
timescales that the work need to  be completed by. It also highlighted that
it would be an offence if action was not taken and that this could result in
legal action.

A follow-up inspection of the property confirmed that Mr Atkinson had failed
to clean up his property as requested. Despite further attempts to contact
Mr Atkinson enforcement officers were unable to persuade him to improve the
condition of the land. As a result in February 2009 the council carried out
the works in default at a cost of £2,480.

Chris Brown, environmental enforcement officer, said: "Resident and the
council have identified that properties like this that affect people's
quality of life and require action. If left unattended they may lead to a
decline in the quality of life and an increase in crime and anti social
behaviour."

"Hull City Council tries to work with people to avoid legal action if at all
possible and in most instances those involved cooperate. There are instances
where this does not take place and this leaves the council little or no
option other than to proceed with legal action."

To report a nuisance property in your neighbourhood contact Citysafe on
300300.