Fly-Tipping & Dog Fouling
Article by Cllr James Palmer on the issue of fly-tipping and dog fouling within the Parish.
Published: 4 March 2024
The parish has, like many rural areas, been historically targeted by fly-tippers and issues of drive-by littering and has localised dog fouling hotspots. The Parish Council recognises that
Bassetlaw District Council is the lead authority innvestigating, prosecuting and the cleaning of environmental crime. This is specifically governed by the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and since Jul 2023 by way of statutory instrument they have been able to issue fixed penalty notices (FPN) of up to £1000 for fly tipping and £650 for duty of care offences.
The Parish and specifically Holbeck has seen an increase in large fly tips. This has been raised by councillors at several recent meetings and the local district councillor is aware of our concerns. It is the opinion of councillors that the district council is very good at removing the waste and conducting retrospective investigations, however it is felt that the district council does not offer a proactive service to try and prevent incidents of fly tipping, littering and dog fouling within our parish.
Whilst the parish council recognises it does not have specific powers to formally investigate or prosecute offenders of environmental crime, we are of the opinion that we have a duty to A) liaise with the district council and lobby them. B) are able to assist in the evidence gathering process and C) provide public information to both educate members of the public and act as a deterrent to potential offenders.
At the last Parish Council meeting, it was agreed that we would liaise with relevant authorities with regard to placement of signage and the deployment of monitoring equipment in fly-tipping hotspots. The Bassetlaw Dog Warden has been contacted in order that the dog-fouling hotspots can be included in the local patrol. Stickers and posters will be put up appropriately to remind inconsiderate dogwalkers of the fines that can be levied and the Parish Council will seek to monitor areas that receive heavy fouling, especially the verge on Norton Lane, opposite Cuckney Church.