Litter fines raise £13k in just one week
PRIVATE hit squads bidding to clean up the Valley issued penalty notices of more than £13,000 in their first week.
The specialist enforcement team, which retains all the income from £75 fines, is cracking down on littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling across our towns and villages.
The 12-month trial across the borough, approved by the council’s cabinet committee earlier this year, got underway this month.
Dedicated officers are patrolling our streets and parks seven days a week, targeting hot-spots identified by Rossendale council.
In the first week, enforcement officers issued a total of 177 fixed penalty notices across the borough, including 71 in Rawtenstall, 56 in Bacup, and 19 in Haslingden.
Rossendale council said two of the penalty notices were for dog fouling, adding that additional patrols could be brought in if nec- essary.
Coun Jackie Oakes, the council’s cabinet member for operations, said that while council officers already had the power to issue fixed penalty notices, the new teams from District Enforcement would make sure there was less littering in the area.
She said: “I really hope that the new enforcement will bring about a change in the borough.
“It is very much a small minority of people who drop litter, carry out flytipping or don’t pick up their dog mess, but it is these people who are a blight on the towns across Rossendale. It is antisocial, disgusting and irresponsible.
“These actions make our communities look less appealing and give the wrong impression to visitors.
“Most people care about their homes and surroundings and welcome the introduction of District Enforcement to stop selfish people spoiling such beautiful areas.”
District Enforcement will carry out the administration and take any court action.
£75 fixed penalty notices in first week:
Rawtenstall 71, Bacup 56, Haslingden 19, Newchurch 9, Stacksteads 7, Whitworth 5, Waterfoot 4, Other areas 6.