After a pilot scheme, uniformed patrols are set to return to the Sussex district of Arun in 2014 to issue fines to anyone letting their dog foul. The St Helens-based contractor Kingdom Security will again be targeting ‘hot spots’ on behalf of Arun District Council, including parks, open spaces, and promenades where dog fouling, breaches of Arun’s Dog Control Order and littering are a problem. The initial scheme launched last summer was in response to complaints from the public at dog mess and litter.
The patrolling officer is authorised to issue fixed penalty notices of £80, reduced to £50 on early payment, on behalf of the council to anyone not clearing up after their dog, breaching Arun’s Dog Control Order and to anyone caught dropping litter. The district council is talking with three parishes putting money in the project, in return for having patrols in their areas. Funding for the scheme has come from the council’s Greenspace service.
Councillor Terence Chapman, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “After the success of last year’s pilot project, we are responding to the wishes of many Arun residents who want to see it in operation again this summer.
“The project allows the council the flexibility to direct patrols, following information provided by the public on problem sites for which we are responsible. The presence of the uniformed patrols will send a clear message to irresponsible owners – pick up after your dog and keep it under control in public places, or face a fine. This also applies to anyone caught dropping litter.”
Visit www.kingdomsecurity.co.uk.
