A Businessman who failed to remove building materials from the pavement has been prosecuted.

And Blackburn magistrates heard Paul Rigby, owner of Byrom Supplies, felt he had been singled out for "political reasons".

Rigby, 58, pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing building materials in the street and was fined £800 with £350 costs.

Chris Moister, prosecuting, said a complaint had been received back in April 2004 about building materials spilling over on to the pavement.

There had been dialogue and correspondence between him and Blackburn with Darwen Council since then and he said several warnings had been issued to Rigby.

"Pedestrians were forced to walk in the road which prompted numerous complaints," said Mr Moister.

He said following complaints in June, July and August and an inspection on August 4 2005, the decision had been taken to prosecute.

Deborah Morgan, defending, said Rigby had liased with the council to try and resolve the situation and there had been an improvement.

"He had health problems last year which culminated in him having a heart attack," said Miss Morgan.

"He was absent from work for considerable periods and while he made efforts to train his staff that obviously failed on August 8 when he accepts the pavement was blocked.

"My client feels there has been hostility towards him by the council and he has been singled out."