A North East landowner has been fined and hit with other sanctions after he was investigated for allowing a rubbish dump to accumulate at the front of the property that he owned. 

Geoffrey Swan, of Low Friar Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, has been fined £552 and given two 12-month conditional discharge for failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice on a property he owns the land for. 

Over the last year, Swan has allowed a large quantity of rubbish, including bottles, bags, cans, and furniture to build up in a property he is the land owner of in the Catchgate area of Stanley.

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After investigating, wardens from Durham County Council took immediate action on the landowner but failed to get him to comply with a community protection notice. 

They had no option but to take him to court. 

In court, Swan was fined £552 and given two 12-month conditional discharge for failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice.

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Following the judgement, Durham County Council's warden team shared the outcome online - with people hitting out at the landowner for 'endangering others who live nearby' and 'bringing the house prices down'.

Taking to the comment section of the post about the prosecution, one person said: "This is shocking - how can this be allowed to happen for so long?" while another added: "An absolute disgrace to the local area."

You can report a wide range of issues by calling 03000 260000 or via the online reporting system www.durham.gov.uk/doitonline