Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods is attached.

The Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods presented their report which detailed an update on the Council’s approach to litter and dog fouling in the

Borough. The Group had previously received a presentation which covered the Council’s approach, resources and performance in relation to reducing littering and dog fouling.

At the July 2020 meeting of this Group, Councillors acknowledged the very limited resources available to undertake enforcement of environmental crimes and requested that officers investigated the need for additional resources. , In response to the investigation the Council commenced a 12-month trial with a private sector partner “WISE” which  provides dedicated resources to investigate all fly tipping reports and also undertake routine patrols at litter and dog fouling hot spots at zero cost to the Council. It was noted that “WISE” staff had delegated authority to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) where offences had been found.

The Group thanked the officers for delivering the presentation and asked several questions following the introduction of WISE. It was explained that WISE could be extended to cover Town/Parish Council land and encouraged town and parish council’s to contact WISE directly if they wanted more information.

The Group were also encouraged to ask residents to contact Streetwise if they wanted to undertake a community litter pick. It was noted that Streetwise were happy to provide residents with litter pickers, bin liners and would arrange a free collection of the litter collected. The Service Manager – Neighbourhoods also explained that the Council encouraged local supermarkets to take responsibility for litter on their sites. The Group were also informed that the Council were always exploring new technology such as ‘smart bins’ which would notify officers when a bin would need to be emptied.

It was suggested that a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) could be introduced in new estates within the Borough as a deterrent for dog fouling. However, this would require extensive consultation with partners such as Nottinghamshire County Council and require sufficient evidence for its implementation such as the number of service requests for the Council to pick up dog fouling. The Group were pleased to be informed that a PSPO could be extended to include other types of behaviour such as requiring dog walkers to have sufficient bags to pick up dog fouling. It was also suggested that communications be posted on social media to inform residents that they could contact the Council to report dog fouling.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods be noted;

b)    additional information be circulated to the Group regarding WISE and if they can act on parish/private land; 

c)     the Council undertake a feasibility study for the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order for dog fouling;

d)    communications be posted to social media to inform residents that they can report dog fouling to the Council and; supermarkets in the Borough be informed by the Council to take responsibility for collecting litter on their sites.