A new CCTV van and extra environmental wardens have been introduced by North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor to make sure the borough remains one of the safest and cleanest places to live.
Covering all areas of the borough, the van will be used to tackle environmental offences – such as dog fouling, littering and fly-tipping – and anti-social behaviour in public places.
As well as wardens issuing on-the-spot fines, the CCTV footage will be used to help with prosecutions.
The extra wardens will work within the council’s Community Protection team and an apprentice has also been recruited to join the team.
They’ll work from early in the morning until late at night, including weekends, to catch any perpetrators, as well as working in communities and schools to educate and advise.
Speaking about the extra resource, North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE said: “North Tyneside is a brilliant place to live, work and visit and remains one of the safest places to live in the country.
“That being said, residents have told me that they have some concerns, particularly around littering and dog fouling.
“As many residents will know, I pride myself on being a listening Mayor and I am committed to responding to the concerns of our communities. This council is one that works better for residents, by responding to any issues and changing how we work for their benefit.
“I hope the new van and extra wardens offer reassurance that the council is taking the matter extremely seriously and we are doing more to tackle any hotspots.”
Mayor Redfearn has been working closely with cabinet to address the matter.
Cllr Carl Johnson, cabinet member for Environment and Transport, added: “To respond to residents’ concerns, the new wardens will have a particular focus on dealing with litter, dog fouling and fly-tipping. We know this is important to our residents and we will not tolerate it in our borough. Those caught risk fines and prosecution.”
Cllr Carole Burdis, cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “Our Community Protection team has a proven track record of dealing with issues of anti-social behaviour and supporting any victims and witnesses.”
The team will continue to make full use of its powers to enforce anti-social behaviour legislation, which includes issuing those who break the law with community protection notices, fixed penalty notices, eviction orders, and injunctions. This includes court orders that prevent people from entering areas of North Tyneside. They’ll also continue to work closely with Northumbria Police.
To report issues of anti-social behaviour or environmental offences, click here: Report it.
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