A LANDLORD has been fined more than £7,000 after failing to maintain six bedsits.

Grace France who is also a criminal law solicitor based in London changed her plea during a trial at St Helens Magistrates’ Court to failing to comply with a Formal Improvement Notice served by St Helens Council.

District Judge Miriam Shelvey heard how the council became concerned about conditions at a house on Prescot Road owned by France which had been converted into bedsits.

Over a four year period council officers had attempted to work with the defendant over a number of issues including a lack of a fire alarm system, damp and excessive cold.

Despite being served with two ‘Minded To’ notices which aim to create a working relationship between the landlord and council, the repair work was not carried out and the conditions grew worse.

A Formal Improvement Notice was served in January 2013 but by the time it expired in May the work had still to be completed.

Even though several extensions were agreed there was a re-inspection in December.

The inspection revealed that little work had taken place and conditions had deteriorated further.

Throughout this time tenants were still living in the property.

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for housing and community safety Richard McCauley said: “This case shows that no one is above the law and that we will take the appropriate action when necessary.

“Credit must go to the council officers who pursued this case with diligence and determination and whose job it is to protect the rights of tenants across the borough.”