Council Gets Tough In Its Tidy Up Campaign - 'Streetscene'

“We have no time for Environmental Crime” was the message put out by Herefordshire Council this month when it launched its latest Streetscene animal character – Edna the Enforcer Elephant.

Edna’s creation is due to a new piece of Government legislation designed to create cleaner neighbourhoods and prevent things like litter, dog fouling, fly-posting and graffiti. Edna is there to warn people that if they do not ‘follow the rules’ and drop litter etc they will be punished in the pocket quite severely.

Fines of £100 will be issued as and when people drop litter, including chewing gum and cigarette butts. These ‘fixed penalty notices’ are reduced to £50 if the fine is paid within 10 days of issue.

Graham Dunhill, Director of Environment, said: “The Streetscene publicity, education and awareness raising that has taken place over the last few months means everyone should know what we are trying to do to keep our City and towns clean, safe and tidy.

“We now have to demonstrate to those people who have chosen to ignore the messages that they face personal financial consequences for their actions.”

Cllr Phil Edwards, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The Council has to get tougher. We are trying our hardest to keep the County clean by employing Streetscene Stewards who are ‘responsible’ for keeping the market towns and the city litter free and looking attractive, but we must have some way, some deterrent, that prevents people dropping litter in the first place.

“We’ve increased the number of officers who can issue fixed penalty notices, and they will be operating from September onwards.”

Edna the Enforcer Elephant whose message is “If you drop it – you cop it” warns people that  £100 is a lot to pay for one cigarette butt/cigarette packet/ice lolly wrapper etc.

The Streetscene hotline for reporting environmental issues such as graffiti, flytipping and excess litter is (01432) 261800 or e mail streets@herefordshire.gov.uk. Streetscene is for everyone and encourages everyone to do their “bit” in keeping Herefordshire the place we all want it to be.

‘Stamp out the bad – Enhance the good’