Chapel-en-le-Frith holiday let property forced to close after repeatedly breaking coronavirus rules

The Castle House let, on Manchester Road, has continued to operate in breach of the law since the start of the third national lockdown in early January – where holiday lets were forced to close.

However, the owner of the property, Scott Richardson, continued to allow the two-bedroom property to be used for holidays.

Between January 4 and March 20, Derbyshire police received 85 complaints about people staying at the property and issued 62 fixed penalty notices to visitors to the holiday let.

Separately, Richardson, 40, of Hayfield Road East, Chapel-en-le-Frith, was also issued with a Prohibition Notice and three Fixed Penalty Notices by Derbyshire County Council’s Trading Standards team totalling £7,000.

Despite these fines, Richardson continued to operate Castle House as a holiday let.

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On Wednesday, April 7, Richardson appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court and the property was forced to close until June 20.

Inspector Dave Parker said: “Over the course of three months Scott Richardson has repeatedly flouted legislation – despite repeated warnings and fines.

“His blatant disregard for the law has put the community in Chapel at risk from a large number of people travelling into the area.

“The nearly 100 complaints received by the force over a relatively short period of time shows just how disruptive, as well as dangerous, this holiday let has been.

“We understand entirely that people have been hit hard financially due to the restrictions that are in place, however, the vast majority of holiday let owners are abiding by the rules and it is only right that those who aren’t, are targeted.

“Officers and partner agencies have tried on multiple occasions to engage with Richardson but, despite repeated efforts, he continued to flout these rules.

“I am pleased that the court has now forced the closure of Castle House. My officers will continue to monitor the property and, should there be any further breaches, will enforce the court-ordered closure.”

To report crime to Derbyshire police, call 101 or see the online contact form at https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

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