Fines issued for littering in Church Stretton

People in Church Stretton are being reminded to properly dispose of their rubbish – including smoking related litter – or risk being fined.

The warning comes after Shropshire Council’s street cleaning wardens issued on-the-spot £80 fines – or fixed penalty notices – to two people dropping cigarette litter. The fines were issued on the same day on Beaumont Road and Sandford Avenue.

Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for street cleaning said:

“Complaints about litter from the public are very close to the top of most councillors’ problem list.  These cases show very clearly that we take those concerns very seriously, and while we would prefer to gently encourage everyone to use the bins provided, we can, and will take stronger action to try to keep their streets in the condition that residents and visitors expect to find them”.

James Gibson, Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said:

“As well as disposing of their litter appropriately, I’d like to encourage people to clean up after their dogs. This applies in all public areas, including playing fields, parks and grassed areas whether mown or not.”

Shropshire Council has five officers based in the south west of the county, who have been specially trained to respond to people’s calls for tougher enforcement on environmental crime.

To report a problem with dog fouling, fly tipping, graffiti, fly posting or litter in your area call 0345 678 9006, or alternatively report a problem online.

Further information

The Fixed Penalty Notice charge is currently set at £80 with a reduced fine of £50 if it is paid within 14 days. By paying the penalty charge, the person accepts they have committed an offence and discharges their liability for it. If payment is not made, prosecution in the Magistrates Court is pursued where higher fines are enforced.