Anti-social behaviour by property management firm triggers big fine

A property management company has been punished with a hefty fine for failing to both clear up and also keep free of waste the courtyard of a block of flats it had responsibility for.

Ipswich council prosecuted Blocsphere Property Management Limited for four breaches of a Community Protection Notice that had been served upon the company for persistent anti-social behaviour.

A statement from the council says the company, which manages the property, ignored their responsibilities and residents in the flats had to endure overflowing and inadequate bins as well as rubbish scattered over the courtyard. 

Magistrates sentenced Blocsphere Property Management Limited of Eco Park Road, Ludlow, Shropshire to a £12,000 fine (£3,000 fine for each of the four breaches of the notice) and the company will also pay costs of £8,214.42 and a victim surcharge of £190.

The freeholders of the property - a London-based firm called 1 Cromwell Square Ltd - had previously been found guilty to the same offences and had been fined.

An Ipswich council spokesman says: “Ipswich Borough Council will continue to be a watchdog to ensure the best environment for residents and businesses and this will include the use of Community Protection Notices where appropriate. We shall also not give up on our tasks but will continue until matters are properly resolved.”