A OWNER of a house in Duckworth Grove, Heaton has been fined for not clearing a large pile of rubbish in the garden of his property.

Ghulam Gelani Sarwar, of Leylands Lane, Heaton, was given a Community Protection Notice to clear the rubbish, but failed to take any action.

Sarwar failed to attend Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court, and he was prosecuted in his absence. He was fined £660, with costs of £1,160 and a victim surcharge of £66.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: ““Leaving an eyesore such as this to blight the local environment is not acceptable in any way.

“This case sends out a clear message that it is much more sensible, and much cheaper, to have rubbish cleared away as soon as possible.

“We are determined to do all we can to battle against the scourge of rubbish dumping. That means we want to prosecute those who dump rubbish illegally and those who allow fly-tipping to take place on their land without doing anything to clean it up or prevent it happening again.

“Bradford Council officers will provide advice and assistance to anyone looking to find a way to clear fly-tipped rubbish on their land and prevent it happening again but those who just ignore the problem could find themselves before the courts.”

“If you see fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers and inform the Council.”

Fly-tipping can be reported be calling the Council 01274 43100 or online at www.bradford.gov.uk.