Pendle Council’s Environmental Crime team will be spending tomorrow (Wednesday) out and about in Nelson and Colne, appealing to local residents to do their bit to keep the area tidy.

The litter and dog fouling education day will see the Environmental Crime Officers and Dog Welfare Officers patrolling the length of Regent Street from 7.30am to 3pm.

They will be talking to dog walkers about their responsibilities to clear up after their dogs, and handing out free poop scoop bags.

And pedestrians will be reminded not to drop litter, but to use litter bins or just take their rubbish home with them.

Councillor James Starkie, who represents the team, said:

“The majority of Pendle residents are responsible citizens, but there are some areas around the Borough where we have specific problems with litter and dog fouling - Regent Street is one of them.

“The enforcement team has already done plenty of high visibility patrols in the area and they have issued some fixed penalty notices for dog fouling.

“But we’d much rather educate people about their responsibilities and the penalties if they continue to litter or allow their dogs to foul.

“That’s what this day of activity is all about, and I fully support the team in their efforts.”

Environmental Enforcement staff are also working with ASDA to have a presence in their car park to offer advice to schoolchildren who buy food there.

David Alexander, Senior Environmental Crime Officer, said:

“We know that many schoolchildren buy their breakfast or lunch in ASDA then eat it on the way to school.

“Sadly, not all of them use a litter bin to dispose of the packaging.

“We’re planning to talk to young people to remind them of the need to put their litter in a bin, and to warn them of the fines if they don’t.”

Anyone who drops litter or doesn’t clear up their dog’s waste risks getting a fixed penalty notice which carries a fine of £75.

And if that’s not paid within 14 days, they risk being taken to court and facing a much higher penalty.

You can report litter and dog fouling to the Environmental Crime team by calling (01282) 661743 or filling in a form on our website www.pendle.gov.uk.