A LONDON-based businessman is once again counting the cost of allowing a property he owns in east Durham to become an eyesore.

Durham Magistrates' Court fined Ghazanfer Azam, owner of 9 Church Street, Haswell, £5,000 and ordered him to pay costs of £200 to the District of Easington Council for failing to carry out repairs on his dilapidated property.

Azam first appeared in court in January last year for failing to comply with an enforcement notice served under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

At that time, he was fined £800 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000 to the local authority.

No work was carried out following that prosecution, so District of Easington Council brought the case before the courts again, last Friday.

Councillor George Patterson, District of Easington's executive member for the environment, said yesterday: "This case started three years ago, and demonstrates the council's commitment to pursuing negligent property owners in the interests of residents and the local environment.

"The council welcomes the court's support in sending a message to property owners that they must recognise their responsibilities.

"We have other cases in the pipeline and we hope they will be viewed in the same light by the courts.''

Owners of rundown, vacant and dilapidated properties are encouraged to contact the authority on 0191-527 0501, extensions 2306/2307, to discuss potential improvements.

The Northern Echo could not contact Azam for comment.