Keep your street tidy – or risk a fine

WARRINGTON Borough Council has teamed up with Cheshire Police on a new campaign to encourage citizens to take care of the streets…or risk being fined.
In addition to working hard within local communities to increase public safety and reduce crime, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) across the town are joining the fight against some of the lower-level anti-social activities that really annoy local residents such as littering, dog fouling, letting a dog off a lead in a dog control area or fly tipping.
The council’s enforcement officers already have the power to issue fixed penalty notices but now PCSOs will have it too.
Cllr David Keane, the council’s lead member for environment and public protection, said: “What we want is a clean and attractive town that we can all feel proud of. What we don’t want is to have to fine people for spoiling it.
“We know that the majority of residents are responsible and take pride in where they live but unfortunately there is a minority of individuals who are spoiling it for the rest of us. We want to let these people know that
there are now more eyes on them and they will be given a penalty notice if they are caught breaking the law.
“The message from the council is this: Think before you mess up our streets. Put your litter – all your litter – in the bin. And if you don’t, your carelessly dropped cigarette-butt or other litter could cost you a £75 on-the-spot fine.
“Make sure you respect the dog control orders in place and clean up after your dog.”
Chief Superintendent Sarah Boycott, Northern Area Commander said: “Our PCSOs play an important role in addressing the issues that really concern local people. I know that many residents are deeply concerned about the impact of anti-social behaviour on our environment and they will be pleased that these new powers allow PCSOs to issue fixed penalties to people who do not respect that environment and create problems for others by littering, fly-tipping and allowing dog fouling.”