Leicestershire Parish Councils

Litterlouts, fly-tippers and persistent dog foulers should be on their guard as an enforcement team cracking down on environmental crime expands.

Harborough District Council’s enforcement team, which was set up in May, will now be able to cover more of the district on their daily patrols after welcoming new officer Martin Welford.

From this month Martin, a retired officer with Leicestershire Police, will join the existing three-officer team to tackle dog fouling, graffiti, fly-tipping, abandoned cars, and litter.

Martin, who will cover the north of the district from Scraptoft across to Launde, said: “I am really looking forward to this new challenge and feel it is important to have enforcement officers out on the streets providing a visible presence and acting as deterrent to those thinking of committing environmental crimes.

“People need to be able to see a face as well as simply speaking to someone over the phone and I am looking forward to getting out in the community.”

The enforcement team has the power to hand out on-the-spot fines of up to £75 and to date has issued 10 fines for littering and once for dog fouling. Any failure to pay the fine could result in a prosecution.

Anyone with an enforcement issue or wanting to tip off the team about a grot spot in their area can ring the enforcement hotline on 01858 821005, email enforcement@harborough.gov.uk or text the council on 07797 87 82 82