Telford council to issue flytipping fines

Fines of up to £400 will be given out for flytipping, with the powers to punish people for things like littering, graffiti and failing to clean up dog foul.

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

£300,000 will also be invested in mobile CCTV cameras in a bid to catch more people in the act.

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 also inform the public of the services the council provides.

The plans received cross-party support at the cabinet meeting held on Thursday at Addenbrooke House.

But Councillor Andrew Eade, Tory leader, asked why they had not been introduced sooner.

Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor Bill Tomlinson also said he "welcomed" the measures.

Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for enforcement, said: "It is all part of our efforts to step up enforcement action.

"“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 council has also recently begun cracking down on taxi drivers plying for hire, and has seen five convictions in recent weeks.

Councillor Shaun Davies, council leader said: "It is clear this is necessary.

"The message is that we are going to be strong on those people who do litter and flytip."

"We are on the side of those, normal hardworking families who do play by the rules."