WATSON - The Livingston Parish Council may file charges against a property owner in Watson after the owner has ignored requests to clean up their property. 

At the corner of Highway 16 and Janelle Drive, two adjacent properties have been an eyesore for resident Phyllis Hill.

"They just have things laying out there that nobody would want," she said. "Even when I'm telling people directions to my house I tell them Newton Brothers instead of the trashy house, because it's embarrassing."

The Livingston Parish Building Department has sent several letters to the man who owns the properties over the past two years demanding a cleanup. The letters state that the property owner has 15 days to cut the grass and get rid of debris in the yard. However, the mess has gotten worse over the years, according to neighbors.

After the parish sends out letters fines can pile up to $500. After that, the parish can opt to clean the trash and bill the owner. The parish can eventually take the owed money from property taxes if necessary.

"I'm glad that they're doing something. I'm glad that they're trying to contact them, and hopefully they'll do something about it soon," said Hill.

The Livingston Parish Council will take up the issue at its meeting Thursday.