NEW WALTHAM BUILDER IN COURT AFTER FAKE GRASS LAWN DEEMED NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE

                                                                          

Court heard that nails were protruding from some sections of the 'grass'

A NEW Waltham builder escaped a fine but was ordered to pay £400 prosecution costs after artificial grass he installed in the garden of an Immingham bungalow was deemed not fit for purpose.

North East Lincolnshire Council prosecuted the 58-year-old after it emerged that large sections of the 'grass' were not fastened down and that long nails were left protruding along its edges

This made it unsafe as a play area, especially  for children in the family. 

The defendant admitted the offence when he appeared before Grimsby magistrates.

His mitigation was that money and health problems that had prevented him from completing the work.

He was given a conditional discharge for two years, but, in addition to costs, was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Following the hearing, NELC's enforcement supremo, Neil Clark, said: "This garden makeover was meant to provide a safe place for young children to play, but the poor work made it anything but.

"When tradespeople finish jobs below acceptable standards, it reflects badly on others in the same line of work.

"This was a lengthy investigation, but our Trading Standards officers eventually secured a conviction."