News

Keeping Poole "Clean, Green and Safe" is a top priority for the Borough of Poole and as part of its battle to improve the environment it's getting tough on enviro-crimes.

This week sees the launch of a campaign to raise awareness of the effects of littering and the forthcoming introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices. From 6th April 2006, Fixed Penalty Notices of £75 will be issued to anyone who commits an "enviro-crime" including littering, dog fouling, graffiti, fly-posting or the irresponsible handing out of advertising flyers.

Councillor Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: "We know from feedback from the Poole Opinion Panel that residents consider litter related issues amongst their top concerns. Littering costs Council Tax payers £1.7million a year and it is anti-social and unacceptable. At the moment offenders can be taken to court, but pursuing these thoughtless people takes time and scarce resources. Fixed Penalty Notices can act as a deterrent, allowing offenders the opportunity to pay a fine rather than be prosecuted in the first instance."

Lucy Magill, Regulatory Services Manager, Environmental and Consumer Protection Services, said: "We want residents to have Pride in Poole and this campaign will help to educate people on the effects of littering. Littering does include chewing gum and cigarette butts, which many people do not realise. The new laws allow Council Officers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices, this means there will be many 'eyes and ears' helping to keep Poole's streets litter free."

To help promote and tackle the littering problem, "Bluey" and "The Rubbish Heads" will be appearing with Council employees at the following locations:

• Thursday 9^th March, Town Centre and Dolphin Centre (Bluey & The Rubbish Heads) \n

• Friday 10^th March, ASDA, West Quay Road, Poole (Bluey) \n

• Saturday 11^th March, Town Centre and Dolphin Centre (Bluey & The Rubbish Heads) \n

• Sunday 12^th March, Poole Park (Bluey) \n

Bluey is the mascot for personal ashtrays and he will be distributing, free of charge, personal ash trays and gum pouches on all the above dates. The Rubbish Heads are a street theatre company, and they will be performing interactive street theatre focussing on the negative effects of littering.