Authority issues warning to private landlords after one property owner is found guilty at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court of not complying with an order to clean up his Norris Green property. Tony McDonough reports.

Liverpool City Council is warning private landlords they face hefty fines if they allow their vacant properties to become eyesores.

The authority sent out its message as a second private property owner in as many weeks was fined for allowing a vacant property to become a home for vermin.

Jason Bernard Living, of Bridge Street in Sunderland, was found guilty at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court for failing to comply with a notice to remove accumulations of rubbish and overgrown vegetation from the front and rear of a property he owns in Norris Green.

The council served notice on the owner after receiving rodent complaints and the premises in Cottesbrook Close was inspected last June.

In July the notice expired and despite further warning letters, the owner did not carry out the work. The work was then carried out by the council in default.

Mr Living was fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £150.

Liverpool City Council will also pursue Mr Living for the costs incurred in carrying out the works in default.

Councillor Frank Hont, the city’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is another example of where the council has had to intervene to deal with environmental blight associated with empty properties.

“The council is determined to tackle empty homes in the city and ensure that property owners face up to their responsibilities.”