Gosberton man fined more than £1,200 for failing to cut back ‘overgrown’ garden
Refusing to keep his garden tidy has cost a man almost £1,300.
Kevin Brian Fletcher failed to comply with orders to cut down overgrown vegetation at his Gosberton home, which saw him hit with a fine at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Monday (July 17).
Prosecuting on behalf of South Holland District Council, Lisa Davies explained that concerns about Fletcher’s Westhorpe Road property – which included ‘weed, grass and nettles’ - were first raised on June 15 last year, following a complaint of ‘overgrown vegetation’.
Letters requesting maintenance work be carried out were sent with no response.
“On November 9 a section 215 notice requiring he cut down all vegetation in the front and rear gardens and driveway to a height of no more than 5cm, and that he disposed of all cuttings to an authorised place of disposal, was sent,” she said.
“He was given 40 days to comply.
“On July 5 an inspection was carried out and the situation had not improved. In fact it had got worse.”
Fletcher (58) was charged with failing to comply with a notice served by South Holland District Council under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act.
The defendant did not appear in court to hear the verdict or enter a plea, the case proved in absence.
He was fined £665 and ordered to pay the £264 victim surcharge.
Fletcher was also ordered to pay £350 costs.
