Council street patrols will get tough on littering and begging

The authority is teaming up with private contractor Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services to introduce street patrols to help tackle littering and dog fouling, the two main concerns raised by residents when asked about the issues that affect them.

The council takes a zero tolerance approach to the problems and is already one of the best performing local authorities in the country when it comes to prosecuting fly-tippers.

Now it is further strengthening its enforcement work to crackdown even more on environmental crime.

Kingdom will carry out enforcement work on behalf of the council, issuing on-the-spot £75 Fixed Penalty Notices to offenders caught dropping litter and chewing gum, failing to clean up after their dog, and street begging.

Kingdom staff will carry out patrols and identify “hot spot” areas, issue fines and pursue anyone who fails to pay their Fixed Penalty Notice.

The 12-month pilot scheme is self-financing with the costs of enforcement being met from the income from Fixed Penalty Notices.

Council streetscene officers will also continue to carry out enforcement work.

Joanne Swift, the council’s head of streetscene, said: “Time and again residents tell us that dog fouling and littering are their main concerns.

“People should be aware that if they drop litter, or don’t clean up after their dog, they will face the prospect of it costing them £75. The chances of them being caught will increase from Monday. It’s a lot easier to drop litter in a bin, or make sure you have dog bags with you when you go out with your dog and dispose of them properly.

“Most people are proud of their town and want to keep it clean and tidy.”