The occupier of an antiques and second hand shop in Cradley has landed a court bill of more than £1,600 after failing to remove a huge mound of rubbish from his property.
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Anthony Anyanwu, the occupier of the Colley Gate shop, was found guilty by Dudley Magistrates on November 14 of two charges of failing to comply with a notice served by Dudley Council environmental health officers. The notices required him to remove and properly dispose of the refuse which was piled up on land behind his shop.
Anyanwu, who failed to attend court, was found guilty in his absence. He was fined £400 for each of two offences and ordered to pay court costs of £767.87 and a £40 victim surcharge.
The court heard that Anyanwu had been served with the notice under the Prevention of Damage by Pest Act by council officers in March 2013 requiring him to remove the rubbish within 28 days.
Revisits to the shop on two later dates revealed that the notice had not been complied with and the council had to carry out the works in default of Anyanwu who was subsequently also charged with the removal costs of more than £1,000.
Councillor Stuart Turner, cabinet member for health & well being, said:
“Where there is a risk to health from rubbish which has been dumped, the council quite rightly will take swift action to protect public health. Anyone served with a legal notice can expect to be prosecuted if they fail to comply with the terms of a notice and the public quite rightly expect those responsible for premises and land in the borough to pick up the bill for refuse removal on their land.”
