350+ Fined For Dropping Cigarette Butts – However Overall Decrease in Littering & Dog Fouling Fines Issued in Wrexham

Over 350 people were fined for dropping cigarette butts in Wrexham during May – however the overall number of fines issued for littering and dog fouling have ‘dropped dramatically’ in the past month.

The fines come as a result of a county wide crackdown on littering and dog fouling, with enforcement officers from Kingdom Security brought in by Wrexham Council to tackle the issue.

Throughout May a total of 405 fines of £75 were issued, with the majority (357) issued for people incorrectly disposing of cigarette butts.

Other fines issued included twenty for dog fouling, ten for dog exclusions and three for improperly disposed food.

Overall 225 fewer fines were issued during May than in April – which saw a total of 591 fines amounting to over £44,000 issued over the thirty day period.

During the past month, enforcement officers have also increased focus on hotspot dog fouling areas across all wards, relying on information provided by members of the public and councillors.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I’m very pleased that people have responded as well as they have to the new enforcements arrangements, and that it’s had had an effect so quickly.

“We’re also very grateful to those members of the public who have responded positively to this, and we remain very thankful to members of the public who dispose of their litter and properly clean up after their dogs.”

He added: “It is also an encouraging sign that the number of penalties issued is dropping, as it shows enforcement is having an effect.

“We will continue with our policy of zero tolerance so as to ensure this trend continues.”

Ashley Houston, Team Leader at Kingdom Security, added: “During patrols in May 2016, officers have noticed that a lot more people are being responsible with their litter, especially in the town centre.

“The number of tickets issued in the Town Centre has dramatically dropped compared to April 2016, showing a more proactive approach towards enforcement seems to be working.”

The new targeted approach to tackling dog fouling and dropping litter in Wrexham has developed a mixed response in the past few weeks, with more than 100 Fixed Penalty Notices issued within the first day of the ‘zero tolerance approach’.

Last month a war of words broke out between Town Centre Forum Chairman Nigel Lewis and Cllr Bithell clashed over the topic during this April’s Town Centre Forum Meeting.