Great Harwood landlord found guilty

A Great Harwood property owner was found guilty by magistrates recently of failing to comply with a notice issued by the Council, ordering him to bring his property at 40 Russell Place Great Harwood, back into a state of repair.

Mr Noor Hussain, of Greaves Street Great Harwood, was found guilty by Hyndburn Magistrates of non-compliance of a notice served under Section 79 of the building Act 1984 relating to 40 Russell Place, Great Harwood. The property has been in a state of disrepair for over 10 years, causing residents much distress with incidents of broken windows, open drains, rubbish dumping and antisocial behaviour around the property.

After many attempts by officers to get Mr Hussain to bring the property up to standard, the Council took him to court and stepped in to carry out repair works required by the notice.  The costs for the work will be regained through a charge placed against the property

Mr Hussain was given a 12 months conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £15 victims surcharge. Mr Hussain, has a mortgage on the property of approximately £196,000 and a debt to the court of £59,550 for a previous conviction.

Further prosecutions may also take place if the property is not brought up to standard.

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Environmental blight issues said; “This property has been a concern for residents living nearby for many years, as it’s been a magnet for anti-social behaviour.  Our officers have tried many times to get Mr Hussain to bring the property up to standard, but he’s ignored these and the notice we served on him, landing him in court. We take a tough line in cases like this, properties like this are distressing to live near and we will always take people to court where necessary.”