Below is a DCC press release about two of the main concerns of residents across the county, littering and dog fouling.
It's an issue that I know affects a great number of people in our area and is something I have taken as a priority so please let me know if you have any specific problem in your neighbourhood.
Residents support partners in tackling a foul problem
The partnership tackling the dirty issue of dog fouling in County Durham
Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary have been working
closely with residents across the county to address the issues of dog fouling
and litter, two of the biggest areas of public concern in the county.
A series of feedback sessions were designed to help
the council and the police understand why public perception of low level anti
social behaviour remained high, despite a significant reduction in incident
levels. During discussions residents
were supportive of the wide spread education and enforcement initiatives in
place. However some additional suggestions will now be considered as part of a
drive to improve the partners’ response even further. These include improving
signage on litter bins to highlight that they can be used for dog foul, greater
use of existing powers requiring litter producing businesses to clear up areas and
the possibility of a voluntary warden scheme specifically targeting these two
issues.
Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services with Durham County
Council, said: “We have worked really hard with very significant success to
tackle these issues, with information from the public often playing a key role
in solving problems at very local level.
“A good example of this took place recently in Willington
where two fixed penalty notices were handed to the same person for not picking
up after their pet, addressing an issue of real concern to residents. While we
prefer education we will use enforcement where we need to.”
Mark Farren, Durham County Council’s southern education and
enforcement manager, said: “The information we received in Willington was
particularly useful as it enabled our neighbourhood wardens to track down those
responsible for leaving dog foul in a particular area. We would encourage all
residents who are concerned about problems like this to contact us with whatever
information they have to enable us to take the appropriate action.”
Ivan Wood from Durham Constabulary said: “We recognise the
importance of tackling such low level anti-social acts as important in
preventing more serious crime and disorder which is why PCSO’s are empowered to issue fixed penalty
notices for littering and dog fouling.
“Consequently
we are equally pleased with the contribution that residents have made at these
focus groups and we will be working in partnership with the council to ensure
improvements are made.”
To report issues like this call 0300 026 1000 or email help@durham.gov.uk
Residents are also doing their bit by joining green dog walker
schemes, which aim to promote responsible dog ownership. Members carry extra
bags when out walking their dog so that they can offer one to fellow dog
walkers who need one. There are currently six such schemes in operation in the
county.
Anti social behaviour across County
Durham and Darlington
has fallen by over 40 per cent in the last year.
