Litter fines handed out to Staffordshire Moorlands residents

Author: Ashley Curtis - 05 November 2012

Dropped litter and mess from pets has seen 92 residents from boroughs of Staffordshire Moorlands issued with fixed penalty notices, reports thisisstaffordshire.co.uk.

A massive 71 fines at £75 a piece were issued to litterers in Leek, Cheadle and Biddulph by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council wardens, according to figures released by the authority.

In addition, 21 £80 fines were delivered to people who failed to pick up dog mess.

Considering that a mere 14 littering fines were handed out to people in 2011, it appears the region may have a growing litter problem. However, it is unknown whether the area has enough outdoor litter bins to sustain demand or if the council has not employed enough enforcement officers for the regions.

Currently only two roam the area, carrying recording equipment to gather evidence.

However, the council did claim the cost of responding to reports of dog fouling sets the authority back more than £5,000 a year, newsrt.co.uk reports.

Councillor Gill Burton, portfolio holder for communities, commented: "We are doing our best to deal with those who are spoiling our environment. Whether people are throwing down a cigarette butt or leaving dog mess, if they are caught in the act they face an instant fine.

"If we take an offender to court they could be fined up to £1,000 and, if they bad their dog's mess but don't bin it, they face a maximum penalty of £2,500."