Litter and dog fouling trial paying off
A 12-month trial to fine anyone caught dropping litter or not picking up after their dog is reaping rewards with reports of cleaner streets in the district.
Run by enforcement company EH Commercial Services Ltd, the trial has seen more than 200 fines issued since it began in May 2017
The scheme costs nothing to the taxpayer as the funding comes directly from fines, but Arun District Council has been liaising with the team from East Hampshire District Council to help it target problem areas.
The Council’s cleansing contractor, Biffa, has reported the town centre streets seem cleaner and there has been public support for the scheme.
Councillor Stephen Haymes, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Technical Services, said he was delighted with the early success of the trial and urged those who have been issued tickets to pay their fine in order to avoid prosecution.
He said: “The feedback we’ve received has been very positive, the vast majority of people who visit our town centres don’t litter the streets or let their dogs foul so they’ve welcomed a clampdown on the few that do.
“There are currently 15 cases nearing prosecution and we would urge those people to pay because if they do get prosecuted, then not only will the amount increase but they will have a criminal record.”
Councillor Phil Hitchins, Chairman of the Environment and Leisure Working Group, said: “We are hoping that the trial will encourage people to take pride in their town centre and think about the part they can play in keeping public areas tidy and pleasant for everyone.”