A property owner has been fined after ignoring a council warning to get rid of the pigeons and rats that had made the derelict Folkestone house their home.
Following complaints from nearby residents about the condition of the Radnor Park Crescent house and the pest problem, the council made several informal attempts to engage with the property owner, eventually issuing a Community Protection Notice (CPN).
This gave Ghaled Chadid of Egerton Gardens, London 21 days to block access to the pests but he failed to comply.
Chadid was summoned to appear at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (7 February 2024) for a hearing. He failed to appear and was prosecuted in his absence. Magistrates fined Chadid £2,000 and ordered him to pay a £800 victim surcharge and costs of £180.
A Folkestone & Hythe District Council spokesperson said: “We tried to work with the property owner but due to his lack of contact with us we were unable to resolve the issues and legal proceedings became necessary.
“Going to court is a last resort but a step that we will take when the quality of life for nearby residents is impacted to such a great extent.”
The council will consider what further steps may be necessary if the property owner fails to take action.
Environmental complaints, fly-tipping and noisy neighbours can be reported on the council website.