Cheshire East gets tough on litter louts

Cheshire East Council has successfully prosecuted nine people for litter offences in the last week with fines and costs imposed totalling more than £3,500.

The prosecutions were the first to be taken to court since the council started a crackdown in September, which followed the launch of the Crewe neighbourhood action plan -- a pilot project to tackle the issues of littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling in the town.

Eight defendants failed to respond to the summons and were convicted in absence. Each was fined £220, ordered to pay costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Another pleaded guilty by letter and was fined £120, ordered to pay costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

The prosecutions are in addition to fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued by the council. Since October 1, 4,234 FPNs have been issued as follows;

• Littering -- 4,116;
• Dog fouling -- 24;
• Fly-tipping -- 28 (including duty of care)
• Other (including abandoned vehicles) – 66.

Cheshire East's payment rate for FPNs is more than 80 per cent. In the last two months, 18 formal warnings have been issued and there have been 58 educational visits.

While enforcement is being taken very seriously, Cheshire East is also working hard with local communities to raise awareness of issues and provide advice to people.

This has involved working with local volunteers and groups to help look after the borough through supporting events, such as the Great British Spring Clean,

Fly-tipping, dropping litter and dog fouling are all environmental crimes which can be reported online at: cheshireeast.gov.uk/environment or by ringing 0300 123 5011. The website also contains lots of information to help residents with their waste and recycling.

ENDS

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