Nightmare neighbour forced to pay £1,000 fine to council over messy 'scrap yard' garden


Edward Plowman, 42, had refused to move motorbikes, generators and trolleys cluttering grassy public areas next to his mum’s property for many years.

And this led furious neighbours to launch “numerous complaints” about the hideous piles of junk that had built up around the address in West Mersea, Essex.

Council house management company Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) then launched an investigation into him.

And they successfully obtained a court order on December 14 last year requiring him to remove a ‘large accumulation of personal belongings’ from the area.

But due to Plowman’s refusal to comply, they then took the case to Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

He was later found guilty of breaching a Community Protection Notice in his absence and issued with a £500 fine.

He was also ordered to pay a £200 victim surcharge and £250 court costs.

Additionally, the court granted a remedial order requiring Plowman to remove all his belongings from the land within 14 days.

Philip Sullivan, CBH Chief Executive, said following the case: “This land should be enjoyed by everyone in the community.

“Unfortunately, it had become overgrown and resembled a scrap yard due to the extensive collection of personal property.

“We attempted to resolve the issue amicably through warnings and notices, but these were ignored.”

“We hope this outcome sends a clear message that we take such matters seriously and are committed to protecting public spaces for the benefit of all residents.

“Public spaces are for everyone to enjoy, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that they are not misused by a few individuals.

“If the order is not followed, we will not hesitate to return to court.”

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