Messy plots in spotlight
TACKLING untidy gardens has been a point of discussion among representatives on the borough council.
A report on the issue and how and when the authority can act was considered by members of Hinckley and Bosworth’s scrutiny commission.
The aim was to highlight the challenge faced by the authority in dealing with overgrown plots and also note the impact it can have on communities.
Author of the agenda item, community services director Sharon Stacey, said the appearance of a neighbourhood not only affected the way residents and visitors viewed the area but also affected feelings of community cohesion and even safety.
She said: “Broken window theory is a widely recognised criminological approach which suggests that by tackling the minor issues in our communities, such as petty vandalism, or damage we are likely to prevent further, more serious crimes from prevailing.
“From a community point of view, tidy gardens and land mean an area looks well cared for which can result in people feeling safer in their surroundings.”
The committee heard the problem was not solely confined to tracts of council or other social housing and could lead to a myriad of other hazards, including attracting vermin, fire risk and nuisance to neighbours.
Measures the council can take vary according to who owns the property or plot of land.
If it is in private hands a Section 215 notice can be served if the poor condition of the structure or land is detrimental to the surrounding area or neighbourhood.
The threat of action under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is often enough to get the ball rolling on improvement.
Recently Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council were considering legal action against the owners of the derelict former Chinese takeaway May Wah House in Regent Street - soon afterwards plans were proposed to reuse the premises as a taxi office.
Interventions in respect of council owned land and housing are broader. Council tenants enter a contract when signing an agreement for a property, part of which is to keep the grounds tidy.
Anti-social behaviour contracts (ABC) have been used successfully to resolve eyesore issues. This agreement sets out the council’s expectations along with targets to reach.
More formal moves include imposing a Community Protection Notice (CPN) - seen as the “most effective weapon when trying to take action against someone who has the capability to maintain their garden but fails to do so”.
The CPN process starts with a formal warning, which if ignored leads to a full CPN which has to be followed to avoid a fine or court summons.
However, Mrs Stacey added it was recognised some problems with untidy gardens were an indicator of other welfare needs. In these instances referrals to support services would be considered and potentially, particularly for the elderly or infirm, gardening services may be offered at reduced rates.