Enviro-crime busters
Over the past few months, a series of Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for a range of offences, including:
- Failure to remove dog faeces
- Burning commercial waste
- Littering
- Fly-tipping
- Fly-posting
- Allowing dogs to roam off-lead in areas protected by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)
These actions are part of ongoing efforts to maintain a clean, safe, and respectful environment across the district.
Non-payment of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for littering, fly-tipping, and failure to remove dog faeces will be pursued through the court system.
Some people believe that if they refuse to provide their details, we won’t be able to take any action against them for the offence witnessed. However, it is a further offence to fail to provide your details, or to give false information, when requested by an authorised officer.
In fact, 95% of those who fail to cooperate are identified through other sources and tools available to us.
Fly-tipping
Fly-tipping remains a persistent issue, and our team continues to dedicate time to investigating incidents. This includes searching through dumped waste to find any form of evidence that could help identify its origin. We also speak to witnesses and local businesses to gather vital information.
In many cases, a local resident has paid someone to remove their waste, assuming it will be disposed of responsibly. Unfortunately, it is sometimes taken to the countryside and illegally dumped.
Residents must take the correct steps to avoid this, including:
- Checking that the waste carrier is properly licensed
- Obtaining a receipt
- Recording details of the person, company, or vehicle involved
Failure to do so could result in the resident being held liable and issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Dog fouling
Dog fouling that is not picked up remains a serious concern, and we respond to all reports and complaints. Sadly, those who fail to clean up after their dogs show little respect for the wider community.
Despite the presence of 1,005 litter and dog waste bins across the district, we still come across dog fouling that is not picked up far too often.