A HOUSING landlord has been fined almost £3,000 in Rossendale’s war on eyesore properties.

Rossendale Council took the action against Nick Turner, 40, of Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, after complaints from tenants living in two properties in Haslingden.

They said the houses had severe damp, no heating, extreme condensation and mould and leaks to a toilet and bath.

The council's environmental health team served the landlord with a legal notice but did not get a reply.

A spokesman from the council said: “As a result, the council decided to prosecute Mr Turner for two offences of failing to comply with notices served under section 16 of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976.

“This required him to provide the council with information in relation to two properties to enable environmental health to take action to enforce health and safety requirements.”

Turner was found guilty, in his absence, at Rawtenstall Magistrates Court on Monday.

He was fined fined £1,000 for each offence, ordered to pay £892.50 in costs and handed a £15 victim surcharge.

The properties, which were located in Rosewood Avenue and Townsend Street, sparked a wider warning which has now been given to landlords across the Valley.

Coun Bill Challinor, regeneration portfolio holder for the council, said: “Landlords have a responsibility to provide rental accommodation that is in an acceptable condition.

“If the housing is unfit, the council will use its power to prosecute.

“No one should have to live in unfit rented housing.”