THE owner of an empty house in Accrington has been fined £660 for failing to carry out repairs and clear its backyard.

Razzaqul Islam of Union Street, Rossendale, was found guilty in his absence by Blackburn magistrates ordered to pay £639.55 costs on top of the penalty for ignoring a Community Protection Notice issued by Hyndburn Council ordering him to repair 73 Exchange Street and clear the rear yard of waste.

Cllr Clare Cleary, cabinet member for housing, said: "This long term empty derelict property has caused many issues for neighbours including a dirty back yard and burst water pipes.

"We agreed with the owner that he would carry out the works, but he failed to do this, so the council had no option but to serve him with a notice, which led to the prosecution. "