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Alleyway dumpers face new fines

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St Helens Council has launched a new enforcement initiative to deal with household waste and rubbish dumped in alleyways and other open spaces.

Complaints about dumped rubbish bags, discarded furniture and overflowing bins are among the most frequent of those received by the council. Environmental Health Officers warn that the waste – which often contains rotting food, nappies and broken glass – is not just unsightly and smelly, but can pose a very real risk to health and safety.

The move comes following changes in the law introduced by the Deregulation Act 2015, which came into force on 15 June this year. The changes amend and de-criminalise legislation relating to household waste offences – providing a more proportionate and effective tool for dealing with this widespread problem.

Led by the council’s Environmental Warden team – which was recently given permanent status following a successful 12 month trial – the initiative will see the wardens work with Cleansing Services to identify the worst affected areas and then issue clear guidance to residents as to how and when different types of household waste should be disposed of.

Follow up visits will then be made to assess whether the guidance is being followed – with any residents identified as disposing of their waste irresponsibly running the risk of being issued with an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Green Smart and Sustainable Borough, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “The aim of this project is not to punish the affected community, but to help it by reducing the problem of dumped rubbish and waste.

“The guidance the council proposes to issue will be clear and easy to follow. It is the selfish minority who are responsible for dumping rubbish this way – often to the detriment of their immediate neighbours.

“Aside from the smells, rats and visual blight, which are significant enough, the cost of removing the waste is very significant – and is money that’s effectively lost to the community. Residents deserve to live in a clean and safe environment – and I’m committed to ensuring that they do.”

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