A HOUSEHOLDER who refused to clear a “mountain” of rubbish at the side of his house has been fined £440 by magistrates.

The rubbish had piled up in the garden of Amar Mirza's home in Prospect Road, Undercliffe, said Syam Soni, prosecuting on behalf of Bradford Council.

The Council issued Mirza with a notice to clear it but when its officers checked after the deadline had passed, not only had the rubbish not been cleared, more had been added to it, said Mr Soni.

“There was a mountain of rubbish and waste in the side garden,” he added.

Mirza, whose present address was given to the court as Northampton Street, Undercliffe, did not attend the hearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrates found the case proved in his absence. He was also ordered to pay £447.50 in costs and a £44 surcharge.

Magistrates also issued a Remedial Order requiring the rubbish to be cleared up within 28 days.

After the case, a Council spokesman said: “There is no excuse for leaving piles of rubbish lying around on your property. It is illegal as well as anti-social.

“It’s much easier to comply with the law and clear up your land than to go to court and face a fine or even a more serious sentence.”

Fly-tipping can be reported be calling the Council 01274 434366 and asking for the Environment Enforcement Team or online at bradford.gov.uk.