A KEIGHLEY trader said her business was unfairly targeted in a crackdown against a longstanding problem of rubbish being dumped in Back Cavendish Street.

Annie Speller, who owns Offshoot Healthfoods, in Cavendish Street, received a letter from Bradford Council warning her she could be served with a Community Protection Notice (CPN) if she did not deal with household waste behind her premises.

The letter notes that a failure to comply with any future CPN could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 if the business is convicted.

Mrs Speller said she was being made a scapegoat for something she has no control over.

"I think it's disgraceful," she added. "The council are saying this is being caused by tenants from our property, but the two flats above our shop are empty."

A Bradford Council spokesman responded the council was simply trying a new tactic to resolve problems in this street, pointing out that if the flats above her shop are vacant, Mrs Speller does not need to take action.

Mrs Speller stressed her business is not responsible for the dumping in Back Cavendish Street.

She said the rubbish is partly caused by people scavenging in bins, as well as individual landlords or subcontractors clearing out flats each time a tenant moves out.

But the warning letter she received from the council – which also features West Yorkshire Police's logo – states: "This conduct consists of the failure to remove waste, litter and refuse from the rear yard of the property and to keep the back street area outside your property clear of any waste, litter and refuse.

"The effect of this is considered to be persistent, and is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of others in the locality."

Mrs Speller's husband, George, asked whether his wife was being expected to take over the authorities' job of enforcing the law against those actually responsible for creating the mess.

"Perhaps the police and the council just want my wife to threaten tenants with eviction?" he said. "How long would that last in a tribunal?

"My wife would remind the council that she's paid for her own rubbish removals during her 30 years of trading, having dutifully paid taxes and rates as required for the maintenance of public order."

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for Environment, Culture and Sport, said: “We've been aware of all the problems on Back Cavendish Street for years and have tried many different things to tackle the issues.

"We're now trying a new approach and the Community Protection Warning letters have been issued to all tenants and landlords along the street.

"Legally the council can hold landlords and owners responsible for their property and tenants.

"We've already received positive feedback from some landlords who welcome the opportunity to work together and recognise they have a role to play in educating their tenants about their responsibilities, including what to do with their waste, what's acceptable and not acceptable.

"Presently Mrs Speller doesn't have to take any action. The letter clearly states she doesn't need to do anything until she has tenants in her properties.

"In addition to the letters being sent out, the council have also installed CCTV, in an attempt to identify perpetrators.

"It's only by working in partnership that we can help keep Keighley clean.”