Tough action has been taken against a landlord.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has reaffirmed its commitment to taking strong measures against landlords who neglect their properties following the successful conviction of Nicholas Ian Shaw, 47, of Norbury’s Yard, Knutsford.

The charges related to a flat in Huxley Street, Northwich .

Following complaints from a tenant in September 2016, the council’s regulatory services officers are said to have repeatedly contacted Mr Shaw to resolve a number of problems but he failed to take all the action necessary to improve the safety or cleanliness of his property.

Mr Shaw was fined £1,500 in West Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 9, following his failure to comply with an improvement notice served under the Housing Act 2004. Costs of £875 and a victim surcharge of £120 brought his court bill to a total of £2,495.

The flat, in a Victorian terrace, was home to a family with two young children, both under five years of age at the time of the initial complaint according to the council.

Following numerous requests to Mr Shaw to take action to replace single-glazed windows, repair a front door that could not close, improve insufficient loft insulation and fix problems with mould in the bathroom of the property, the council says court action was the only remaining option.

Borough housing chief Angela Claydon (Lab) said: “As a council we are very keen to improve housing conditions in the private rented sector. Our first preference is always to work in partnership with landlords.

“However we are not afraid of taking legal action against landlords who refuse to engage with us and do not carry out the necessary works we have recommended.”

Chester Magistrates Court. Photo by Ian Cooper

She continued: “In the autumn we will be launching a better renting campaign which will not only feature the work the council is doing to improve housing conditions and housing management standards across the borough but will also show how we are working with our partners in making sure that tenants are aware of their rights and responsibilities.”

Cllr Claydon emphasised: “The council is keen to ensure that the private rented sector works for good landlords and tenants alike and that appropriate action is taken against landlords who do not fulfil their responsibilities.”