A Peterborough woman, Farzana Yasmin Akhter, has been slapped with a £660 fine for failing to maintain a listed heritage building, located at 65A-67 Wide Bargate, Boston. Boston Borough Council expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the property, which they feared could compromise its long-term safety. Despite the council’s notice to Akhter urging the required repairs, no action was taken. Her failure to respond or engage with the council led to her conviction in her absence at Boston Magistrates’ Court on 24 March. In addition to her fine, Akhter has been ordered to pay £350 in costs to the council and a victim surcharge of £264. The council is still pressing for the necessary repairs to the building, warning that further action may be taken if the work is not undertaken. After a long period of attempting to engage with Akhter, the council was left with no choice but to resort to legal proceedings. They expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and remain hopeful that the crucial renovations will commence soon to restore the listed property to its original state.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
