Newark and Sherwood District Council and Waste Investigations, Support and Enforcement (WISE) partnership sees 29 fixed penalty notices issued already

A partnership launched at the beginning of the week has seen 29 fixed penalty notices handed out.

It is part of a new strategy to deter people who litter, graffiti, fly-tip or leave dog mess in Newark and Sherwood.

In the first 24 hours, notices were issued for a series of illegal activity, including littering after the areas of Averham, Balderton and Newark were patrolled.

The one-year pilot project between the district council and private sector company Waste Investigations, Support and Enforcement (WISE) involves its team of enforcement officers patrolling known problem areas throughout the district seven days a week, 12 hours a day.

An additional 185 hours will be spent each week issuing penalty notices to those who commit environmental offences, supporting the district council’s team of community and environmental protection officers.

Roger Jackson, chairman of the council’s leisure and environment committee, said: “The amount of people who think it is acceptable to drop litter, fly-tip, spray graffiti or fail to pick up after their dogs is staggering and completely unacceptable.

“By partnering with WISE we are delivering on our commitment to keeping our communities cleaner for those who live, work and visit here. In the last year we have increased the number of litter bins and dog bins so there is no excuse. Don’t do it and we won’t be after you.”

Managing director at Waste Investigations, Support and Enforcement John Dunne said: “We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council.

“We will operate a robust but always proportionate methodology to tackle the issue of littering and dog fouling.

“Our officers have been instructed to communicate openly with the community with the overall aim of inclusivity for the Newark and Sherwood community to play their part in the task ahead.”

Anyone can report environmental crimes such as fly-tips, littering, dog fouling or graffiti online using the Newark and Sherwood District Council website or by calling the council on 01636 650 000.