LITTER and dog fouling are still a major focus of Pendle Council’s Environmental Crime Team.
The team is continuing to respond to reports from residents of areas where their help is needed.
And they’ve made great progress. Over the last 12 months they have responded to 1,500 dog related reports from residents, ranging from dog fouling to stray dogs.
They have issued 92 fixed penalty notices for things like litter and dog fouling.
The majority of these have been paid, but 25 have not and the perpetrators have either been taken to court or are in the process of being taken to court.
Coun. John David, who represents clean streets in Pendle, said: “We really appreciate residents taking the time to report problems such as litter and dog fouling.
“We have an excellent track record of responding, and of prosecuting people who continue to flout the laws around littering and dog fouling.
“We all want clean streets and paths in Pendle - councillors, council staff and residents. And we’re all working together to achieve just that.
“Everyone can help, which is why we are launching a new concerted drive to catch the irresponsible and, frankly, dirty people who foul our area with litter or allow their dogs to foul.
“The message is clear - we are determined to stop these people and bring them to book if necessary.”
Recently, the Environmental Crime team has been stepping up patrols in an area of Trawden that has seen problems with littering and dog fouling.
The area around Boulsworth Drive is a popular spot for dog walkers.
But those who use the surrounding fields and paths are not all picking up their dogs’ waste and disposing of it correctly.
David Alexander, Senior Environmental Crime Officer, said: “We know there are some very responsible dog owners out there, but sadly not everyone behaves appropriately.
“Some dog owners get as far as picking up and bagging the dog waste, but then just dump the bags beside the path or in fields.
“It’s a health hazard for humans, dogs, farm animals and other wildlife – and it’s disgusting!”
The Environmental Crime Team has being going on high visibility patrols, following complaints from residents.
Resident Amanda Cunningham said: “I am a dog owner myself and think it is not right to leave dog mess around pavements, fields or anywhere. There are enough bins around for people not to do this.
“I wish more people would take the time to complain and care about the lack of responsibility some dog owners have for others and the environment.”
There is a range of ways to report dog fouling and littering in Pendle. You can call the council’s contact centre on 661743, or fill in a form online at www.pendle.gov.uk/forms. And the council’s new online “In My Area” tool allows you to use maps to show us exactly where the prob