A property owner who ignored a notice from the Hyndburn council requiring him to provide details about the ownership of a derelict Accrington factory building has been fined.

Arshad Hussain, of Cross Street, Brierfield, Nelson pleaded guilty at Hyndburn Magistrates Court to failing to comply with the council notice seeking information about the factory on Arnold Street.

The council said Hussain did not return the information in the stated time period and was taken to court.

Hussain, 48, told magistrates he had now started legal action to transfer the building into his name from his deceased father’s name, and that he would be responsible for all repairs.

He also intends to sell the building as soon as the transfer is complete.

Hussain was fined £70 and ordered to pay £125 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Councillor Clare Cleary said: “We take the issue of derelict properties seriously and had tried on several occasions to get in touch with Mr Hussain to ascertain ownership of this derelict factory building. When he failed to respond we had no option but to take him to court.”