A LANDLORD was fined £1,000 for providing false information over a property in a state of disrepair'.

FastMove Properties of Cairo Street in the town centre was taken to Warrington Magistrates' court by the borough council's housing department.

The council said it was contacted by tenants from a privately rented property in Penketh in October 2006 which was managed by Fast Move.

A spokesman said: "An officer from the Urban Renewal Service found it was in a state of disrepair.

"During the investigation to determine ownership FastMove provided false information.

"After contacting HM Land Registry, the council established the property had been owned by FastMove director James Chadwick since April 2006.

"A second notice was served which was never completed or returned to the council."

FastMOve was fined £500 for providing false information and another £500 for failing to return the completed notice.

Companies House documents list Mr Chadwick as director and the secretary at Sheena Chadwick, aged 51, from Capesthorne Road.

James Chadwick, aged 28, told the Guardian: "FastMove admit a human error did occur in relation to the incident in which no-one was financially disadvantaged.

"We are committed to providing exceptional service and carry out thorough staff training but on this occasion an error did occur."

Tommy Wallace, head of the council's housing department said: "There are clear messages from this case. Tenants' rights are important and will be enforced.

"There are standards and regulations that private landlords must meet and they need to be aware of these and comply with them. In this instance, the council was hindered in its efforts to enforce those standards."