KNOWSLEY Council has successfully prosecuted a company for not looking after land in Whiston.

Ascot Waterloo Ltd, who own land around MP Food, News & Wine Store at Lyneham, Whiston, had allowed it to become overgrown, full of litter and fly tipping, which had also encouraged pests in the area.

Environmental Health Officers from Knowsley Council served notice on the Sefton-based company under section four of the Prevention of Damage by Pest Act 1949 to try and resolve the issues.

The council said this was ignored by Ascot Waterloo Ltd, which ultimately led to their prosecution.

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The company were found guilty under the Act at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court, and fined £1,200, with costs and charges being placed on the land totalling £1,474.99.

Andrew Donaldson, Knowsley Council’s executive director for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We would urge all private landowners in Knowsley to take their responsibility to maintain property seriously.

"Otherwise, as in this case, the council will pursue the matter in the courts. The neglect of this land created an eyesore and the dumping of waste harboured pests in the area.

"These are issues which the council work hard to tackle and will not tolerate.”

The land has now been cleared by Knowsley Council, with all litter and fly-tipping removed. Overgrown vegetation has also been cut back.