A new Council service to promote a cleaner Hart has marked a successful first six months with a decline in the number of incidents of environmental crime.
The team works within the community to deter littering, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour across parks, towns and villages as part of its Pride of Place initiative. This is a new campaign aimed at enhancing the visual appeal and cleanliness of our public spaces.
From this month, the team will also focus on flyposting, which can pose significant safety risks, particularly when placed on a road.
Since September, when the new service started, there has been a steady decline in the number of fines issued. The team promotes public awareness of the issues facing Hart and the majority of fixed penalty notices are now issued to visitors to the district rather than residents
Councillor Peter Wildsmith, portfolio holder for regulatory, said: “We are very pleased that residents are taking on board our messages. We’re asking everyone to help keep Hart tidy by using bins provided for litter and dog waste, or taking waste home with them, to avoid the risk of being issued with a fixed penalty notice.
“The team will also now be tackling commercial fly-posting which detracts from the overall appearance of our communities, making areas look unkempt.
“We are lucky to live in such a green and leafy area and we all share the responsibility of looking after Hart.”
Fixed penalty notices are issued as a last resort in many instances with the team committed to explaining and encouraging people to do the right thing.
A council spokesman said: “The service is as much about educating people as it is to fine those who break the law. We want to encourage residents and visitors alike to behave responsibly and only take enforcement action with the minority who continue to commit an offence.”