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| | 01/03/10 - Council patrols target young litterbugs | Councillor Cynthia Ransome, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Regulatory/Customer Services and Housing, believes that when it comes to littering it is time that young people in Doncaster take responsibility for their own actions.
Councillor Ransome recently visited Glasgow Paddocks in central Doncaster with neighbourhood officers to look at the problem of littering for herself. Glasgow Paddocks was overhauled in 2004/5 with landscaping, new paths and children’s play area using nearly £200,000 worth of Doncaster New Deal for Communities funding.
Councillor Ransome said: “This is a fantastic park which has been invested in heavily for the benefit of the local community.
“But our wardens tell me that young people dropping litter here is a real problem and unfortunately this sort of thing goes on across the borough every day.
“That is why we have introduced a new policy on young people and littering. This will improve the local environment and quality of life for residents.
“Following my visit we will also be putting up extra signs in Glasgow Paddocks reminding dog owners to clean up after their pets.”
Last month Doncaster Council announced that young people who drop litter in the borough will be offered the chance to either do a litter pick or face paying a fine. Previously, young people aged 12 years and over have been given written warnings when they have been witnessed dropping litter.
Young people who drop litter within the borough will now be given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) with a fine of £75. They will have the opportunity to have the fine cancelled if they agree to do a three-hour litter pick on a Saturday. If the offender fails to attend the session, the council will then pursue the FPN, which could see the young person responsible having to appear in court to face a prosecution. Those found dropping or leaving litter who are aged between 10 and 11 years-old will be issued with a warning letter, with a copy being sent to their parent or guardian.
Local resident Peter Brind used to be a park warden himself before he retired. He said: "Litter is a problem in this park. Young people should be made to pick up rubbish as a punishment for littering, I think this will do some good."
Councillor Cynthia Ransome, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Regulatory/Customer Services and Housing, said: "This is about teaching young people to clear away their own mess, rather than leaving it for someone else to do.
"We will not tolerate a small minority of litter bugs ruining Doncaster for everyone else, if you drop litter you will either have to pay up or pick up." |
| 01 March 2010 |
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