South Holland District Council cabinet member says enviro-crime officers are ‘doing remarkably well’ by issuing 703 fines

More than 120 fines have been handed out for spitting and fly-tipping in South Holland by enforcement officers.

South Holland District Council’s public protection portfolio holder Anthony Casson says environmental enforcement officers from contractor Kingdom have handed out more than 700 fines since March.

The trio of enforcement officers were signed up by the council eight months ago to help tackle the problem with fly-tipping, littering, dog fouling and spitting. The authority had signed them up on a cost-free basis, meaning Kingdom’s cash only comes from the fines paid.

Coun Casson, who was responding to a question from Coun Glynis Scalese at the last full council meeting, said that 121 fines were issued during October.

Speaking on Wednesday, he said: “Out of that five were for fly-tipping, 14 for spitting and one for dog fouling. They do get out to other towns. I was out with them in Crowland.

“Since March they have issued 703 fixed penalty notices (FPN). I think they are doing remarkably well.”

Enforcement officers can issue a FPN on the spot after witnessing offences such as littering and spitting. They do not have supply photographic or video evidence of this but are required to provide a witness statement which is accepted in court as evidence.

The alleged offender does not have to accept the fine – and the council or contractor cannot make anyone pay. There is no statutory right of appeal but those issued with a FPN can opt to hear their case heard through the court system prior to payment.

They are also given the opportunity to make representations about the issuing of the FPN – and should be made aware of this at the time the fine is issued.

- Pinchbeck councillor James Avery asked for reassurance that residents will still receive their 52 free bin bags after cabinet member Coun Jack Tyrrell had questioned whether the council should continue to provide them.

He had previously told this newspaper that the authority is currently spending £250,000 per year on providing refuse sacks and the council receives complaints that they are too thin or tear easily.

Coun Tyrrell said that he was expressing his personal opinion to us and was not planning to change anything. He added: “The people of Pinchbeck will be getting their free black bags.”

- Deputy leader of the cabinet Coun Tracey Carter stated that the council’s community lottery should have raised £36,000 in its first full year and helped 83 good causes. She was responding to a question from Coun Angela Harrison.