Owner of Mountain Ash building fined

A property owner who ignored a legal order made two years ago demanding he either renovate or demolish his eyesore building has once again found himself in front of the courts.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Public Health and Protection team has been working hard for three years to deal with the unacceptable condition of a property at 54 Oxford Street in Mountain Ash, in a bid to allay the concerns of residents and traders.

A successful court hearing in 2007 saw owner David Williams convicted for failing to take heed of a legal notice served on him by officers the year before.

The order demanded he take the action needed to either bring the eyesore building up to standard or demolish it. Due to the inaction on his part, he was subjected to a daily fine of £2, to be paid for every day he failed to take the necessary action.

Despite the legal order, court hearing and daily fine, no action has been taken so the council has once again taken Williams, of Navigation Street, Mountain Ash, to court.

The latest case was heard at Aberdare Magistrates’ Court on August 10, during which Williams admitted non-compliance with the legal order made in 2006.

Sentencing was adjourned for three months to allow Williams to undertake any work that may be used as a mitigating factor when he is sentenced.

Paul Mee, Service Director for Public Health & Protection said: ““I would take this opportunity to reassure the residents and shopkeepers of Mountain Ash that we remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling vacant and dilapidated properties which blight the amenity of our neighbourhoods.

“In the coming months we will continue to keep a close eye on this property. It is most disappointing that the Council has had to resolve to litigation in this instance however it is hoped that cases such as this serve as a warning to those who fail to take the required action.”