A Pembrokeshire couple have been fined after failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice relating to the removal of rubbish outside their home.
Gavin and Marie Danielle James of Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven, were prosecuted at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court having continuously accumulated household waste and refuse outside their home since the Summer of 2020.
Pembrokeshire County Council had served Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 (PDPA 1949) Notices on three occasions and private contractors were employed to clean up when these were not acted upon.
Due to the continued generation of household waste and refuse, which in turn attracted rat infestation, a Section 43 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Community Protection Notice was served in February.
The Pembrokeshire County Council tenants were not present in court when their case was heard on Thursday, 1st June.
They were fined £180 each plus surcharges and costs, with each owing a total of £991.40 to the court.
Cabinet member for Housing and Regulatory Services, Cllr Michelle Bateman, said: “This is a successful result for Pembrokeshire County Council and demonstrates that residents causing environmental hazards in the community will be tackled.
“This couple refused to engage with Council officers in removing the accumulations of waste that attracted rats into this area, and this legal outcome is the result of this disengagement.
“We would urge residents who are struggling with storing and presenting waste to get in touch with Council staff who can provide advice and guidance on such matters.”