Pendle News Room

“They will play an important part in encouraging local people to keep Pendle free of the blight of litter and dog mess,” said Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council.

“This is a priority for residents,” he said.

As well as enforcement, District Enforcers will be starting a new programme of activity and education to engage with local people on this problem, in a bid to create a litter-free culture.

The uniformed enforcers will be patrolling seven days a week in all areas of Pendle, including problem hotspots and green spaces such as parks and sports pitches.

Environmental Services Manager, David Walker, said:

During the first two weeks of patrols they will be issuing warnings rather than Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone caught dropping litter.

“They will still be issuing £100 Fixed Penalty Notices to people who don’t clean up after their dogs.

“Anyone who doesn’t pay within 14 days risks going to court and paying a much higher fine,” he said.

And local people can report littering and dog fouling and other environmental crimes via Pendle Council’s website: www.pendle.gov.uk/doitonline

Councillor Iqbal added:

“District Enforcement’s return allows us more time to investigate other environmental crimes such as fly-tipping.

“The Enforcers will be spending more time talking to people about the problems of littering and dog fouling as part of a broader approach which isn’t just about fining the culprits,” he explained.

The new plan of action includes handing out leaflets in dog exclusion and playground areas and helping out with community litter picking sessions.

Warren Hodgson from District Enforcement said:

“Our Enforcers will have a visible presence in town centres and areas where there are a lot of people out walking – such as Pendle’s parks.”

From Monday 20th July, District Enforcers will be issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for all offences including £150 for littering, including throwing litter from a vehicle.

“If you don't pay, you might have to go to court. The biggest fine that the court can give is £2,500,”warned David Walker.

District Enforcement will report to Pendle Council daily on the areas they have covered and warnings and Fixed Penalty Notices given.
 

The District Enforcement contract has been extended for another year from February 2020.

The contract with District Enforcement will be reviewed in December 2020.

All Fixed Penalty Notice revenue is collected by District Enforcement to pay for their service costs and the remaining income is shared 50:50 between Pendle Council and District Enforcement.

After deducting District Enforcement’s running costs there is a surplus of which Pendle Council receives around £20,000 in a full year. So far we have received £22, 250 which is used to help us tackle other environmental crimes such as fly-tipping.

District Enforcers are not on commission and are not offered incentives for the number of people they catch littering.