Education and enforcement to tackle littering

Bridgend County Borough Council is doubling its efforts to cut down on the number of litter bugs and irresponsible dog owners who are spoiling the local environment.

The council has appointed 3GS as its education and enforcement partner to patrol problem spots across the county borough.

Anyone caught deliberately littering streets, parks and public places could face a fine, but education and prevention will be the priority.

Much to everyone’s frustration, there are certain parts of the county borough that have particular problems with littering and dog mess. These environmental crimes are some of the biggest issues that constituents report to us. We firmly believe that education is the best form of prevention, so 3GS will work closely with our waste department to help educate residents and promote our positive anti-littering campaigns.

We need to get across the message that littering is a criminal offence and won’t be accepted. We haven’t always had sufficient resources and powers to enforce penalties, but I’m very pleased to say that this new contract is a major step in the right direction. When we consulted with local residents on this matter last year, residents were overwhelmingly supportive of the idea of being tougher on those who spoil it for others.

So I’m sure that all community-minded residents will welcome the 3GS officers when they start seeing them on their streets and public spaces this month. As they have the power to issue fixed penalty notices when necessary, their presence will be a major deterrent. Anyone who refuses to change their ways and continues to drop litter will soon find themselves picking up a fine.

Councillor Hywel Williams, the council’s Deputy Leader

The council’s contract with 3GS has been agreed for an initial 12 months with an option to extend. The contract will be operated on a self-funded basis. Funds received above the cost of the contract can be used for anti-littering education and promotional purposes.

Martin Jerrold, 3GS Managing Director, said: “3GS acts as a proportionate enforcer, meaning that fixed penalty notices are issued based on need. Our aim is to reduce environmental crime for the long-term. We will join forces with the council to promote their anti-littering campaigns throughout local communities to highlight the threat, harm and risk of littering, and will remind people about the penalties in place for committing these crimes.”