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Kingdom starts environmental enforcement

Published: 07/07/2016

Following a decision in May by Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet, an external partner starts this week on a 12 month pilot scheme to assist with the Councils environmental enforcement duties. Environmental crimes such as dog fouling and littering continue to be a major problem and both of these issues continue to blight the Countys parks, open spaces and streets. The new arrangement will increase the number of enforcement officers active on the streets and open spaces at any time of the week, to aid the existing Council enforcement officers in delivering a zero tolerance approach to environmental crime. Flintshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Bernie Attridge, said: “We introduced a zero tolerance enforcement approach as part of our Business Planning process in 2015-16 and have undertaken an extensive public engagement and awareness raising exercise, visiting businesses, particularly in town centres, and Town and Community Councils to notify them of the new more rigorous enforcement arrangements. Despite all of our efforts, the problem of littering and dog fouling remains a major issue. Kingdom Environmental Protection Services are starting to work with us this week. They have a proven track record in the enforcement of environmental crime.” Following the initial 12 month pilot arrangement, a full evaluation of the success of the arrangement will be undertaken, before a longer term contract and commitment can be organised. Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste and Public Protection, Councillor Kevin Jones, said: “Many local authorities have partnered with private companies to supplement their enforcement activities. The service will be at zero cost to the Council and will provide a return of 15% on all fixed penalty notices issued.”