‘Nightmare’ Neighbour fined for rat infested garden in Melton Mowbray

A man has been handed a court bill for £1,200 for failing to tidy his ‘nightmare’ overgrown garden.

Richard Bates, who lives in Melton Mowbray near Leicester, was approached by his local council in September 2024 over the overgrown vegetation at the front of his house.

He later got formal warnings and a fixed penalty notice, before council workers eventually moved in to tidy up the site.

They were tasked with clearing the ‘very overgrown vegetation and any other items that could provide food and harbour vermin’.

While carrying out the work, they found a rat’s nest in the garden, which Melton Borough Council described as a ‘nightmare’.

On July 9 at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, the matter was found proved in Bates’ absence and he received a £500.

He was also ordered to pay £500 towards the council’s costs and a victim charge of £200, while the council said he would also be recharged for the cost of the works.

Bates was found proved of failing to comply with a community protection notice.

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.’

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