New plans to tidy Telford set to be approved

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet is due to approve plans to arm its environmental officers with new powers to educate people on how to recycle and dispose of waste properly, investigate cases of environmental crime and, where necessary, penalise the small majority of offenders who continue to blight the area.

Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for housing & enforcement said: “This isn’t about issuing fines or making money. We simply want to rid the borough of unsightly dumps of rubbish, litter and dog mess.

“We plan to train 40 of our own environmental officers in all areas of dealing with environmental issues, from educating people to collating evidence against persistent offenders, issuing fixed penalty notices and, if necessary, presenting evidence in court.

“Our environmental officers would be out on the streets, working in neighbourhoods and with schools to teach people how to recycle properly and manage their waste better. As part of the educational approach, they would inform the public of the services the council provides, such as our household recycling centres and bulk collection services.

“In addition, the council would target specific areas identified for having the highest number of reports of litter and fly-tipping and help people living in those areas to clean them up.

“We know it is a small minority who blight our community and if, despite our efforts to persuade them to change their ways, they persist in offending, our officers would have new powers to issue fines.

“The fines, or fixed penalty notices would range from £80 for people caught dropping litter or not clearing up after their dog, to £400 for fly-tipping.

“In the most serious of cases, offenders could end up in court where, if found guilty, the penalties would be much harsher.

“So let’s work together, take pride in our community and create a better borough.”

The proposal is due to be approved by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet when it meets on June 29