A strengthened enforcement team has been set up to enable us to fine more often when people are caught dropping litter.  The workforce has been boosted from 7 to 14 incorporating the employment of 3 Street Wardens (formerly Community Wardens).

Street Wardens and Enforcement Officers will be patrolling towns, villages, parks and open spaces issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone they witness littering.

What constitutes litter and littering?

Litter is most commonly associated with waste from smoking, eating and drinking, that is improperly discarded.  If a person drops, throws down, deposits or leaves anything so as to cause defacement in a public place, they are committing a littering offence.

Failing to clear up your dogs mess forthwith in most public areas is also an offence.

How much is a fine?

If you are caught littering you will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice which will result in a £75 fine.  If you pay within 7 days it will be reduced to £50.  Failure to pay this notice will result in prosecution in the Magistrates Court and may result in fines of up to £2,500.

The fine for dog fouling is £50 payable within 14 days.

Persistent offenders will be prosecuted through the Magistrates Court where the fine would be much higher.

Fly-tipping is the illegal depositing of waste, which might range from a couple of black sacks to a lorry load. If you are caught or identified as a fly tipper you will be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to £20,000, or a prison sentence, and could face having your vehicle confiscated. You will also have to pay for the cost of clearing the waste.

Money from fixed penalty notices will be ploughed back into the Green Heart campaign but fines are paid direct to the Court.

Who can be fined?

Anyone over the age of 10 who is responsible for littering may be fined or face other penalties.

There really is no excuse!

We offer FREE
• portable ashtrays
• gum pouches
• car litter bags
all are available from Council offices