A Manchester resident who made the lives of his neighbours miserable through repeated waste burning in his garden is now facing hefty fines handed down by the courts.
Haroon Razzaq, of Victoria Avenue East, was found guilty of four offences committed over months following a hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on 19 September.
There were four incidents of burning with three taking place in December 2023 and one in March 2024.
The 34-year-old was also ordered to pay a hefty £1,500 fine. He was also slapped with a £600 victim surcharge and £3, 116 in total costs.
The council received repeated complaints from residents about frequent “nuisance” burning taking place at Razzaq’s property.
The burning was having a severe effect on people in the area because of the smell and smoke caused by the fires which prevented them from being able to use their gardens or being able to open their windows.
Razzaq was contacted by a Neighbourhood Compliance Officer and was swiftly warned his behaviour was causing problems for his nearby neighbours.
Burning continued to take place at Razzaq’s house and negatively impacted residents. At this point, multiple witnesses came forward and reported the notice had been breached on several occasions.
Once approached by the council again, Razzaq admitted to bringing wood and pallets from his business monthly to burn in his garden. He believed this wasn’t a problem and that it shouldn’t cause issue for other residents
He claimed this activity wasn’t an issue and disputed that it would cause a problem for anyone nearby.
Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbours, said: “The comfort and safety of our residents choosing to make Manchester home is an utmost priority. It is unacceptable that one individual could ignore and dismiss the legal requirements from authority and cause ongoing disturbance for neighbours in the comfort of their own homes and gardens.
“I am pleased to see prosecution has been brought in this case of a resident choosing to burn materials in his garden without consideration of others and the environment. The work of our legal team and Neighbourhood Compliance Team has been exemplary in bringing about justice. This case should serve as a warning to other residents who choose to ignore the law and show disregard for the community.”