Man prosecuted over 'nightmare' overgrown garden

The council said Richard Bates ignored repeated requests to clear the front garden

A man has been prosecuted after repeatedly failing to clear his "nightmare" overgrown garden.

Melton Borough Council said Richard Bates, of New Street in Melton Mowbray, was originally approached in September 2024 over the overgrown vegetation in his front garden, which was followed by formal warnings and a fixed penalty notice.

Council workers eventually ended up clearing the site, which the authority dubbed a "nightmare", and uncovered a rat's nest as part of the work.

At Leicester Magistrates' Court on 9 July, the matter was found proved in Bates's absence, and he was fined £500, ordered to pay a contribution of £500 towards the council's costs of £1,157.10 - and a victim surcharge of £200.

The council said the garden "posed a fire risk, harboured a rat's nest and was causing distress to others in the neighbourhood"

The council added Bates - who was found proved of failing to comply with a community protection notice - would be recharged for the cost of the works.

Councillor Sarah Cox, portfolio holder for corporate finance, property and resources at the council, said: "Even with support from our teams, the resident failed to adhere to the conditions set out to him, forcing us to take necessary action to keep the area clean and free of pests.

"We take issues such as anti-social behaviour very seriously.

"If a supportive approach fails, we will not hesitate to enforce and act to keep our communities a safe and thriving place to live."