Richard Cook of Haverfordwest, had been issued with a Community Protection Notice (CPN) following repeated incidents where refuse and household waste was left outside the property.

The situation reached a level where it was considered to be a risk to public health, safety and welfare and the rubbish was attracting rats.

Despite visits from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) Environmental Services staff to educate and offer advice, plus warnings from Public Health officers and Mr Cook’s landlords ATEB, the situation remained unchanged.

The CPN was issued on November 29^th 2023, requiring Mr Cook to remove all refuse and household waste from the front and the rear grounds of the property and dispose of it appropriately within 14 days.

When the CPN was served there was a large accumulation of uncovered black refuse sacks containing household waste, old cardboard boxes and a smashed door left in the front of the property.

On Wednesday 13^th December 2023, a PCC Public Health Officer attended again at the property and found there was still refuse/ household waste and a mass of uncovered black bags piled in a large heap at the front of the property.

The tenant had also made no effort whatsoever to clear the refuse and accumulated waste from the rear grounds of the property.

A prosecution was subsequently taken for breach of the CPN.

Mr Cook failed to attend Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Thursday 4^th April 2024 and the case was proved in his absence.

He was fined £440 and must pay surcharge of £176, plus full costs of £1,235.90.

The Council will now consider direct action and charging the outstanding amount back from Mr Cook.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Council Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services, said: “Our officers and partners from ATEB have tried many times to engage with Mr Cook and try to resolve this issue without having to resort to enforcement.

“However, the requests have simply been ignored and we have been left with no choice but to use the powers available to force removal of this waste which is attracting rats and vermin.

“I welcome the court’s decision to impose a significant fine in this case.”