Litter bugs to face £75 on spot fines

A12-MONTH trial to tackle people who blight the borough has got underway.

Uniformed private enforcement officers have begun issuing £75 on-thespot penalty notices for littering, dog fouling and flytipping as of this week.

Two dedicated officers from the firm District Enforcement will patrol the borough’s streets and parks seven days a week, targeting hot-spots identified by the council. The trial was approved by the cabinet committee earlier in the year.

Coun Jackie Oakes, Rossendale council’s portfolio holder for oper- ations, said other places had already introduced private enforcement officers.

She added: “We already have the power to issue fixed penalty notices but unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to carry out patrols as often as we would like.

“We hope that having enforcement officers on our streets and in our parks, day in and day out, will deter irresponsible people. Dropping litter, flytipping and dog fouling blights local communities and it costs council tax- payers’ money to clear up after those who are responsible.”

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, thus costing Valley taxpayers nothing. Additional patrols can be brought in if necessary.

The pilot scheme was approved by Rossendale council’s cabinet in October this year.

The meeting was advised that only one company had offered a seven-day, zero cost service, and that a formal tender process would take place at the end of the 12-month period if successful.

It was resolved to agree the trial, on certain condi- tions including that the providers take ‘a proportionate approach in accordance with the legislation’, and ‘that education and awareness raising of the consequences of environmental crime are included’.

Conservative group leader Coun Brian Essex said he backed the scheme, but claimed it should generate an income from the council.

He said: “I would support any crackdown on professional fly-tippers and those who persistently allow their dogs to foul the Valley’s footpaths. Deliberate littering, especially from cars, is another high priority for residents.

“I fail to see why Rossendale residents should not benefit financially from the fines imposed.”