Three fined for dog fouling and littering in High Peak

Three people have been fined hundreds of pounds by magistrates for dog fouling and littering offences in the High Peak.

High Peak Borough Council brought the cases, which were heard by magistrates at Derby Justice Centre, after an enforcement officer witnessed the incidents which took place in Buxworth Basin and Buxton last year.

Walter Lee, of Brierley Park, Buxworth was fined £40 after failing to pick up after his dog which fouled in Buxworth Basin on 31 October. He was also ordered to pay £150 in costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Dropping a cigarette butt in the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton on 23 August resulted in a fine of £40, costs of £150 and a £30 victim surcharge for Zoe Handley of Buckley Drive, Matlock after she failed to pay the fixed penalty fine issued at the time despite being sent reminder letters.

Samantha Hill, of Highfields, Peak Dale was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 after she was seen dropping a cigarette end on Market Street in Buxton on 28 September last year.

Jean Todd, Executive Councillor for the Environment, said: "Failing to clean up after your dog and dropping litter are thoughtless actions which have an impact on everyone living in, working in or visiting the High Peak and we will not stand idly by if we see it happening.

"Public spaces should be free from dog mess and litter so that everyone can enjoy them, and the Council will take action against the minority of people who behave so irresponsibly.

"Being fined is something you can easily avoid by disposing of your litter in public litter bins, or taking it home to dispose of, and by carrying bags when out walking your dogs and picking up after them. There really is no excuse not to!"

Anyone witnessing dog fouling or littering can report it via our website - www.highpeak.gov.uk