New team cracks down on litter louts

People dropping litter, flytipping and dog fouling in Rossendale have been hit by fines following the introduction of a specialist enforcement team.

The on-the spot-fines have been issued by District Enforcement, which started a 12-month trial across Rossendale on December 3^rd.

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 early in the year.

In the first week, enforcement officers issued a total of 177 fixed penalty notices across the borough. There were:

• Bacup – 56
• Rawtenstall – 71
• Haslingden – 19
• Whitworth – 5
• Newchurch – 9
• Stacksteads – 7
• Waterfoot – 4

There were also six FPNs issued in the surrounding villages, and two FPNs for dog fouling.

Councillor Jackie Oakes, portfolio holder for operations, said that while Council officers already had the power to issue fixed penalty notices, the new enforcement teams would make sure there was less littering in the area.

She added:

I really hope that the new enforcement will bring about a change in the borough. It is very much a small minority of people who drop litter, carry out flytipping or don’t pick up their dog mess, but it is these people who are a blight on the towns across Rossendale. It is anti-social, disgusting and irresponsible.

These actions make our communities look less appealing and give the wrong impression to visitors. Most people care about their homes and surroundings and welcome the introduction of District Enforcement to stop selfish people spoiling such beautiful areas.”

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.