Published on:
22
November 2012
Campaigns are up and running aimed at reducing the numbers of people dropping litter and irresponsible dog owners who don't pick up and bin dog waste.
Clackmannanshire Council's Community Wardens Team have already dished out 19 £50 penalty notices to people in a crackdown on litterlouts.
Following the launch of the Council's litter campaign in September, which included a number of hard hitting posters on bus shelters throughout the county, the Council's Community Wardens Team have been out and about tackling those who have a disregard for the amenity of the area.
Seven £50 penalty notices were issued in the first week and the crackdown against people who drop litter continues. Most of the offenders were within a few feet of a litter bin, and the majority of the fines handed out have been for dropping cigarette ends.
Environment Convener, Councillor Donald Balsillie said: "Clackmannanshire is beautiful but litter spoils the whole appearance of the area and it costs the Council to clear up behind irresponsible people. Even although it is a minority of people who act irresponsibly the message must go out loud and clear that the Council will take action against litter louts as we are determined to work towards a cleaner and more attractive Clackmannanshire for everyone.
That is why for the first-time Clackmannanshire Council is issuing litter fines as
we see this as an important part of the National Campaign and pledge that I recently signed on behalf of the Council to Clean up Scotland. We are happy to work with any group who wish to clean up Clackmannanshire and although there is a clear message to take your litter home particularly in countryside areas we also have 248 litter bins in Clackmannanshire, so there is no excuse for not getting rid of litter responsibly."
It is not just the Council's five Community Wardens who are authorised to issue penalty notices for littering. Other officers are authorised as well and on many occasions these officers will not be in uniform.
Councillor Balsillie added: "The message is clear - before discarding that cigarette end or sweet packet, think, it impacts on our tourist image and environment, costs the tax payer and may well cost you an extra £50. Please dispose of litter responsibly or take it home with you."
A campaign is also in full swing, targeting irresponsible dog owners who don't clean up after their pets and ruin the area for everyone. There is a particular problem around Tillicoultry Primary School and this will be the first area targeted by the campaign.
Extra patrols have been put on to raise public awareness and 50 warning letters have been issued within the past year.
Wardens are empowered to issue £40 fines and are looking for everyone to be vigilant and report dog fouling. A 'dog watch' area, initially in Tillicoultry has been set up, with notices around the town. If a success the campaign is likely to be rolled out all over the county.
Alloa Park Residents Association (APRA), Alloa Community Council and residents using the Council's social networking channels have also raised concerns about the levels of dog waste left on pavements and a further problem of it being bagged and left in hedgerows.
In the Spring, APRA conducted a litter pick, and recovered some 300 used dog waste bags from a small area of woodland.
Bags for picking up dog waste are available for free from any Council office in Clackmannanshire.
Councillor Balsillie added: "We would remind people that it is perfectly acceptable to place bagged dog waste in regular litter bins. Dog fouling, and litter of any kind, is completely unacceptable and its why we're making this renewed effort. We have installed 277 dedicated dog waste bins along popular walking routes and the message is clear pick up after your dog and dispose of the bag responsibly in a bin"