Crackdown on littering and dog fouling starts next week

A 12-month trial to tackle people who blight the borough starts next week.

This will see private enforcement officers from the firm District Enforcement issuing on-the-spot fines for littering, dog fouling and flytipping from Monday, December 3.

Two dedicated officers will patrol the borough’s streets and parks seven days a week, targeting hot-spots identified by the council. Additional patrols could be brought in if necessary.

The trial was approved by the cabinet committee earlier in the year.

Councillor Jackie Oakes, portfolio holder for operations, said other places had already introduced private enforcement officers.

She added:

“We already have the power to issue fixed penalty notices but unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to carry out patrols as often as we would like.

“We hope that having enforcement officers on our streets and in our parks, day in and day out, will deter irresponsible people.

“Dropping litter, flytipping and dog fouling blights local communities and it costs council taxpayers’ money to clear up after those who are responsible.”

District Enforcement will retain the income from the fixed penalty notices it issues. It will also carry out the administration and take any court action.