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Melton Mowbray man fined for garden neglect

Richard Bates was fined for failing to clear his overgrown garden, which had a rat's nest.

July 19, 2025 at 06:25 AM

Melton Mowbray man prosecuted over 'nightmare' overgrown garden

A man faces legal consequences after ignoring warnings about his unruly garden.

Melton Mowbray man fined for neglecting overgrown garden

Richard Bates from Melton Mowbray has been prosecuted for failing to maintain his overgrown garden. The situation began in September 2024 when the Melton Borough Council first contacted him. After issuing formal warnings and a fixed penalty notice, council workers were forced to clear the property, which they described as a "nightmare." While cleaning, they discovered a rat's nest on the site. In a hearing at Leicester Magistrates' Court on July 9, the court found Bates guilty in his absence. He received a £500 fine and was ordered to pay a further £500 towards the council's costs and a victim surcharge of £200.

Key Takeaways

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Richard Bates faced prosecution for his neglected garden.

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Council workers encountered a rat's nest during the cleanup.

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Bates received a fine totaling £1,200 for his negligence.

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The issue raises public health concerns related to urban neglect.

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Local authorities may take tougher stances on property maintenance.

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Residents need to be aware of their responsibilities to avoid legal action.

"This garden was a nightmare, a health hazard to the neighborhood."

A council spokesperson described the condition of Bates's garden as hazardous for public health.

"The court finds the defendant guilty in his absence."

The court ruled against Bates as he failed to appear for the hearing.

"Local councils will not tolerate neglect that harms community safety."

A council official emphasized their commitment to public safety through enforcement actions.

This case highlights the rising concern about urban neglect and its impact on public health. Overgrown gardens can harbor pests and create unsafe environments for neighboring properties. Local authorities are increasingly taking legal action to enforce property maintenance laws. The financial penalties reflect how seriously municipalities view these issues, and they signal that residents must be more accountable for their property care. Ignoring such responsibilities can lead to hefty fines and legal trouble, emphasizing that local government’s patience has limits.