Ipswich Borough Council has successfully prosecuted Blocsphere Property Management Limited for failure to both clear up and also keep free of waste the courtyard of a block of flats - Saxon House in Cromwell Square, Ipswich.
The company were convicted yesterday (17 May 2022) at Ipswich Magistrates Court for four breaches of a Community Protection Notice (CPN) that had been served upon them by the Council. CPNs can be issued against a persistent antisocial behaviour perpetrator.
The company, who manage the property, ignored their responsibilities and residents in the flats had to endure overflowing and inadequate bins as well as rubbish scattered over the courtyard. A complaint was made to the Council.
An inspection by the Council this week also revealed that the Community Protection Notice is still being breached.
Magistrates sentenced Blocsphere Property Management Limited of Eco Park Road, Ludlow, Shropshire to a £12,000 fine (£3,000 fine for each of the four breaches of the CPN). The company will also pay costs of £8,214.42 and a victim surcharge of £190.
The freeholders of the property, 1 Cromwell Square Ltd of Harrow, London had previously been found guilty to the same offences and had been fined.
Cllr Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, says:
“Ipswich Borough Council will continue to be a watchdog to ensure the best environment for residents and businesses and this will include the use of Community Protection Notices where appropriate.
“We shall also not give up on our tasks but will continue until matters are properly resolved. I am concerned to see that the waste problem at Saxon House was still continuing yesterday. If this is not resolved, further enforcement action will be taken.”
Photos credit: Ipswich Borough Council
