Property management companies fined for failing to clear waste

LIVERPOOL City Council has prosecuted 2 companies for their failure to clear waste at privately rented properties. South Road Properties Ltd and Quirefast Limited were both taken to court for their failure to comply with notices served under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.

The house on Rice Line in L9, owned by South Road Properties Ltd, was visited by a Council Officer in November 2022 following complaints of poor conditions attracting vermin.

They found accumulations of waste including:- an old mattress, discarded bin bags and other items that were deemed capable of attracting pests, particularly rats. A notice was served requiring the owners to clear the waste, which was ignored.

The issues at the property owned by Quirefast Limited on Lowell Street in L4 were discovered whilst a Council Officer was in the area in January 2023.

Outside were soft furnishings and other household items, and a notice was served ordering the owners to clear the waste, which was also not adhered to Both companies did not attend Liverpool Magistrates Court on Thursday 6 July, and were found guilty in their absence.

They were each fined �800, and have to pay additional costs of �719, and a �320 victim surcharge.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:- "Parts of Liverpool are blighted by landlords who treat the outside of their properties as a dumping ground. It makes the area look unkempt and uncared for, as well as attracting vermin, and also encourages others to do the same - creating misery for residents who take pride in their area. We are committed to doing what we can to hold landlords to account and hit them where it hurts - in the pocket, and I am pleased that we have secured these convictions as a deterrent to others. Taking action against rogue landlords who do not treat our neighbourhoods with respect is an absolute priority for our new Cabinet because we know how much of an issue it causes for our communities."

Edge Hill launches re-imagined Centre for Social Responsibility

EDGE Hill University will launch its new Centre for Social Responsibility Research (CSR) at a special lunchtime event bringing together leading academics and researchers.

Originally established in 2013, and currently known as the Institute for Social Responsibility (ISR), the reimagined CSR will critically examine ideas of social responsibility across the social sciences, health and social care, and the arts, and humanities.

The Centre will also act as a hub to coordinate and support research, bringing together academics, practitioners, and the wider public through a range of seminars, workshops, and lectures.

The public launch event takes place at Edge Hill University on 12 July at 1pm. Attendees will have the chance to hear about the aims of the centre and meet academics, researchers and practitioners who supported the work of ISR or are new members of the centre. Visit the event page to register your interest.

The centre's new Director Dr Victoria Foster said:- "The newly re-imagined CSR will creatively explore complex social issues and promote equality and social justice locally, nationally and internationally. We are aiming to shape the debate around pressing issues such as what makes a good society, a flourishing economy, a successful town or City, and how to enhance life chances for young people. We have already started the process of understanding what social responsibility means to those living and working in our local towns which include Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Wigan, and beyond. Our discussions have revealed how many diverse approaches and views exist and the need for a space to discuss them."

There will also be a talk from the keynote speaker, and 1 of CSR's most enthusiastic contributors and patrons, Professor Victor Merriman, who will explore ideas about human flourishing and ethical social responsibility.

To achieve its ambitious aims the CSR will work closely with a range of influential local partners, including:- the Bluecoat Arts Centre, Everton in the Community, 4Wings, the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Sefton Council for Voluntary Service.

To discover more about Edge Hill's courses, please visit:- EHU.AC.UK/Study.

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Property management companies fined for failing to clear waste

Edge Hill launches re-imagined Centre for Social Responsibility