Kentish Express Ashford & District
Fined by prowling wardens
Scores of people have been hit with £75 on-the-spot fines after falling victim to a new crackdown on litter dropping across Ashford town centre.
The first three days of the new scheme saw litter wardens dish out 113 fines to residents caught dropping litter or putting out cigarettes on the pavement.
Ashford Borough Council has launched the 12 month anti-litter trial, which sees enforcement officers from private firm Kingdom patrolling the streets.
The council will take £28.50 from each fine while Kingdom will pocket £46.50.
But some of those hit with fines have voiced their anger at their treatment.
Wardens handed out 113 fines in just three days after a new crackdown on litter-droppers in Ashford town centre was introduced.
Ashford Borough Council launched the new 12-month trial scheme with private company Kingdom last week to tackle issues of littering across the borough.
Officers from Kingdom can issue a £75 on-the-spot fine to people caught deliberately dropping litter or not clearing up after their pets.
The fixed penalty notices will not carry a reduction in cost for an early payment.
The council will take £28.50 from each fine while Kingdom will take £46.50.
An Ashford council spokesman said: “Officers from Kingdom began patrolling Ashford town centre on Wednesday, September 7. From September 7 to Septem- ber 9, a total of 113 fixed penalty notices were issued and approximately 15 have been paid.
“Kingdom used these initial three days to undertake some important staff training exercises, meaning more officers than normal were on duty at this time.
“From now on there will be four officers patrolling across the borough.
“The litter enforcement campaign is not about making money.
“It’s about trying to stop people littering, and improving the environment to make Ashford a cleaner and tidier place.
“The project is likely to be costneutral, but if any profits are made they will be pushed back into supporting other environmental projects within the council, including additional dog warden patrols and equipment for litter education and enforcement campaigns.”
What do you think? Have you been fined? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk