Legal News

Solihull Council in the West Midlands has prosecuted a woman from Shirley under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, after she failed to comply with an abatement notice requiring her to keep a shared passageway clear of obstruction.

The resident – named as Ms Hunt of Lindridge Road in Sutton Coldfield – had repeatedly ignored a notice served on her by the Environmental Crime Team in December 2014 and had continued to obstruct the passageway with rubbish and waste.

Solihull Council removed the waste to prevent a health risk.

On 16 March 2016, Birmingham Magistrates’ Court found Ms Hunt guilty of seven charges of failing to comply with the notice without reasonable excuse between January and May 2015.

She was ordered to pay a £1,760 fine, £3,000 in council costs and an £120 victim surcharge.

Solihull Council’s Head of Environmental Services, Alan Brown, said:

“This case has had a serious impact on the local area and neighbouring residents over an extended period of time.

“The health of those who live, work and visit Solihull is extremely important to us – and the actions we have undertaken have ensured others are not put at risk.

“The council provide a number of services that assist residents in managing their waste, to prevent these issues from occurring.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise rental tenants in the private and public sector and homeowners on nuisance, harassment, anti-social behaviour and breaches under the Environment Act.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our housing solicitors are also able to advise on:

• Council’s obligation to re-house
• Disrepair of rented property
• Landlord and Tenant disputes
• Lease extensions
• Mortgage repossession
• Notice to quit
• Unlawful eviction.


For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.