Extra powers granted by Newark and Sherwood District Council to issue penalty notices
Extra council officers in Newark and Sherwood will have the power to issue enforcement notices against yobs, litter louts and irresponsible dog owners.
Councillors have authorised more staff, who work in the areas of waste management, public protection and parks, to issues fixed penalty notices against offenders.
The move is part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Cleaner, Safer and Greener campaign which is taking a tougher stance on anti-social behaviour and environmental crimes such as littering, fly-tipping, dog fouling and dog control.
Fixed penalty notices range from £75 for dog control offences to £150 for littering. Fly-tippers could be fined up to £50,000 or a custodial sentence.
Creating and maintaining safer communities is a main focus of the initiative and more environmental health and licensing officers will be able to take action on offences relating to public health including food safety, animal welfare and anti-social behaviour.
The decision, taken by councillors at the leisure and environment committee, also means that park rangers and grounds staff at Newark’s Sconce and Devon Park and Clipstone’s Vicar Water Park will be able to take action on offences relating to the breach of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) including the service of fixed penalty notices.
PSPOs are in place in Sconce and Devon Park, Newark Castle Grounds and Vicar Water Park, Clipstone, to help tackle issues relating to dog behaviour, including dog fouling and dog control.
A breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence and can result in a fixed penalty notice being issued by officers.
The costs and dangers of fly-tipping have been highlighted by the district council’s Cleaner, Safer and Greener campaign and waste management inspectors and managers will have enhanced powers to investigate, enforce and issue fixed penalty notices for offences relating to the unlawful dumping of waste.
The first two of four Community Protection Officers have also now been deployed and have a remit to crack down on groups and individuals who spoil the district and have since issued a total of five enforcement notices for dog fouling and littering offences.
The new frontline officers will have the power to issue fixed penalty notices on those who flout the law and will be working with the community to encourage a responsible approach to looking after the environment.
District deputy council leader Keith Girling said: “We are continually working to make the district a better place to live, work and visit and the new powers given to staff in addition to our new Community Protection Officers will increase our ability to penalise those who flout the law in a number of areas.
“They will be our eyes and ears in helping to take the necessary and appropriate steps to deal with those intent on spoiling and disrespecting our environment.”
Since the launch of the Cleaner, Safer and Greener campaign in July last year, the council has issued a combined total of 53 enforcement notices and the new staff powers and the recruitment of the new Community Protection Officers demonstrates a greater emphasis on enforcement action.
