More than 100 fines issued for littering, cycling and dog control in just two weeks

MORE than 100 people have been fined for littering, cycling and dog control offences in just two weeks. North East Lincolnshire Council stopped their patrols in March when the UK entered into its Covid-19 lockdown.

The council’s enforcement officers resumed patrols on June 16 when more premises reopened. In recent weeks, there has been an increase in littering across Grimsby and Cleethorpes – particularly in parks and on the beach.

This has included glass bottles, cans, wet wipes, leftover picnics, takeaway wrappings, used barbecues and even nappies.

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: “There are more than 800 litter bins in the area, including 50 along Central Promenade in Cleethorpes, so there is no need to drop litter.

“Officers are patrolling busy areas including Cleethorpes beachfront and Grimsby town centre, as well as the area’s popular parks”

The council will issue fixed penalty tickets for littering, cycling and dog control offences, as well as for smoking in commercial vehicles. They are reminding dog owners that no dogs are allowed on the beach between Wonderland and Cleethorpes Leisure Centre between Good Friday and September 30.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We’ve seen a surge in littering up and down the country since the easing of some of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

“Most people respect the environment, but locally we’ve seen an increase in people messing up the parks and the beach.

“Who would have thought that forgetting how to use a bin or pick up after a dog would be a knock-on effect of the coronavirus lockdown?

“Littering makes the place look a mess, it’s harmful to wildlife and the environment. If a bin is full, take your rubbish home.”

Officers from Local Authority Support carry out patrols and gather evidence which is passed on to Doncaster Council who issue the fines on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council.

Private patrols were introduced in November 2017 after a wideranging public consultation. People said they wanted to see more enforcement against those who litter and don’t pick up after their dogs.

Officers are patrolling busy areas including Cleethorpes beachfront and Grimsby town centre, as well as the area’s

popular parks

NELC spokesperson