Following complaints from other residents, an Environmental Enforcement Officer visited the property on Porters Avenue on 21 October 2020 and found that both front and back gardens were an eyesore and having a detrimental effect on the local area.
A day later a Warning Letter was issued to the tenant, Mr Raymond Dean Baker, advising him that the gardens must be cleared within seven days or further enforcement action will take place.
Despite the letter, no attempt was made to clear the gardens and a Community Protection Notice was served on 2 November 2020, giving Mr Baker 21 days to clear the gardens.
Officers visited again on 25 November 2020, and the gardens remained the same, so a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 was issued as a discharge to liability. However, still no payment was made and the gardens remained an eyesore.
As a result, the council cleared up both gardens and summoned Mr Baker to court.
The case was heard on Tuesday 19 March 2024 and Mr Baker was found guilty in his absence. He was ordered to pay a £220 fine, Costs to Barking and Dagenham Council of £350 and a Victim Surcharge of £34, totalling £604.
Gary Jones, Operational Director for Enforcement, Regulatory Services & Community Safety said: “This individual was offered several opportunities to tidy up their gardens, but refused to do so and now has to pay a huge fee.
“Messy and waste filled gardens have a detrimental impact on the local community, show a disregard for neighbours, and can also be a health risk. This case should be a warning to others that you can run but you cannot hide.”
If residents are aware of an eyesore garden, they can report it to the council online.