Cracking down on enviro-crimes

Littering and dog fouling can blight neighbourhoods but keeping communities clean and tidy is something we can all achieve with just a little thought.

With that in mind, a team from High Peak Borough Council was out and about across the borough targeting littering, dog fouling and licensing issues in a recent two-day blitz to address these issues which are commonly known as 'enviro-crimes'.

And the exercise was a success in engaging with local residents to raise the profile of these issues and provide practical solutions and advice. Over the two days:

• 43 dog walkers were offered advice on dog fouling and dog chipping requirements - with 12 pet owners also being issued with dog waste bag rolls
• 21 pedestrians were offered advice on littering and five portable ashtrays were issued to smokers
• Taxi drivers at ranks in Buxton and Glossop were reminded of the new licensing policy

Councillor John Haken, Executive Councillor for Operational Services, said: "Most people are responsible citizens who don't drop litter and who do clean up after their dogs but we know from speaking to residents that these issues remain really important to them.

"That's why we'll continue to keep addressing it by working with our communities to sort out problems on site but, as importantly, to highlight the impact of irresponsible behaviour and to work with individuals and groups to encourage responsible behaviour and good practice across the High Peak for the benefit of everyone.

"These two days were a great start but we won't be resting on our laurels. We'll continue to maintain our focus on keeping taxi services safe and ensuring our shared public spaces clean and pleasant places that everyone can enjoy and we'll be repeating this exercise periodically throughout the year."