To update the Committee on the work of the Community Protection Team since the last Committee Report in September 2009.

The Committee received an update on the work of the Community Protection Team since its last report in September 2009.

The Acting Regulatory Services Manager presented the report and highlighted the Teams enforcement work in relation to: Fly-tipping; abandoned vehicles; littering; graffiti and dog related issues (stray dogs and dog fouling) and outlined a number of future plans for the Team’s work.  He also highlighted that the Team had secured four successful prosecutions. 

The Chairman congratulated the Community Protection Team on the improvements to enforcement work, however, it was acknowledged that there was still room for improvement.

During debate the following principal points were noted:

• Following recent increased activity, the Team were more optimistic about achieving the National Indicator 196 target for reducing incidences of fly-tipping.
• While AMEY were responsible for clearing litter, the Team were taking a targeted approach to enforcement and public education.  A Member expressed concern that the abandonment of the Parish Freighter service would increase litter and fly-tipping.  It was suggested that town and parish councils should be approached to assist in providing litter bins.
• Following the contracting out of the stray dog service and some changes in work practices, more time will be devoted to dog enforcement and owner education.  A Member highlighted the damage stray dogs could do, particularly at lambing time.
• The Committee noted the successful prosecutions and that there were another 15, mainly concerning fly-tipping, currently going through the legal system.  While the Team worked with the Public Relations Team in publicising the successes the Committee requested that greater effort be made to bring the prosecutions to the public notice as a deterrent to others.  Questioning the level of fines imposed the Committee noted that magistrates were constrained by ensuring that offenders had the means to pay the fine, having a criminal record was also part of the deterrent.
• The Committee noted and supported the intention to explore the closer working of the Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO) with the Community Protection Team and were informed that the Chief Constable, West Mercia Police, had previously strongly intimated that Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) may be authorised to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for low level offences such as littering and dog fouling.. 
• It was noted that in partnership with AMEY and Safer Herefordshire the Council had submitted a bid to become one of 16 pilot programmes to tackle discarded chewing gum.
• Responding to questions about cars for sale parked on green verges, the Committee were informed that enforcement could be taken under graffiti legislation as the tyres would leave lasting marks on the grass.
• It was suggested that all Members be provided with brief details of the remit of the Team and their powers.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and:

5.      the Committee supported the enforcement of criminal damage to green verges.