West Berkshire Council tells homes and businesses: 'Clean up your act...or else'

LOCAL homes and businesses have been warned to tidy up their act – or be fined up to £1,000.

West Berkshire Council has announced that seven new enforcement warnings have been delivered to households and firms whose property is deemed to be in an unacceptable condition and negatively impacting neighbours and the community.

The Town and Country Planning Act gives the council powers to take action against landowners whose land or buildings are deemed harmful to the local area.

The Town and Country Planning Act gives the council powers to take action against landowners whose land or buildings are deemed harmful to the local area.

Abandoned vehicles, deteriorating buildings, and piles of rubbish could all be examples of breaches.

Those who are suspected of violations are first contacted by an enforcement officer and given the opportunity to correct the situation.

If conditions do not improve, officers issue a warning notice giving the recipient 21 days to comply.

If still no improvement is made, a formal notice is issued, defiance of which could result in legal action and a fine of up to £1,000.

Since February the council has served 14 warning letters, three enforcement notices and one stop notice.

West Berkshire Council's executive member for planning, transport and countryside, Richard Somner (Con, Tilehurst South and Holybrook) said: "It's important to recognise the impact that can be felt by neighbouring residents and equally important to be aware that if you allow your property or land to fall into disrepair to the point where it adversely affects the community, we have the ability to take action and will do so.

"Property and land that fall short of expectations will continue to be targeted by enforcement officers for the benefit of the community."