[C]arlisle City Council is urging residents to back its campaign to Keep Carlisle Clean.
Striking images highlighting the hefty fines that could be faced if enviro-crimes are committed are displayed on some billboards and bus shelters in Carlisle.
The Keep Carlisle Clean designs concentrate on three problem areas – dog fouling, littering and fly-tipping. All three offences are enforced by Carlisle City Council and the council is encouraging residents to contact them if they have any information that could result in perpetrators being caught.
Cllr Chris Southward, Portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, said: “We want to Keep Carlisle Clean but need the support of our local residents. We need communities and businesses to work alongside us to tackle litter, fly-tipping, dog fouling and other anti-social behaviour. No community should have to put up with streets and green spaces polluted with dog fouling. Not only is it a health hazard, it is also an unsightly mess.
“There is also no excuse to drop litter or fly-tip. Think twice before you hand over your rubbish to illegal operators – if it’s fly-tipped you face a hefty fine.”
Enviro-crimes facts:
It is an offence not to clean up after your dog has fouled. If caught, prosecution could result in a fine of up to £1,000. Bag it and bin! – any bin will do, dispose of your bagged waste responsibly. Dog waste is associated with a number of diseases including toxocariasis. Toxocara is a roundworm commonly found in dogs and almost all puppies. Eggs from the roundworm are found in dog waste and can pose a health risk if they come in contact with the mouth, particularly with small children. The parasite can cause stomach upsets and in some cases, blindness.
Fly-tipping is illegal and offenders can receive a fixed penalty fine of up £400. Before you pay for your waste to be taken away, check its being disposed of the right way. If they dump the waste, you could face an unlimited fine and a prosecution through the courts. You can recycle your waste using household waste recycling centres or arrange a bulky waste collection by visiting www.carlisle.gov.uk
No ifs, no butts – if you drop litter – even a cigarette butt, you could face a fine of up to £2,500.
To report enviro-crimes email Carlisle City Council at [email protected] or call 01228 817200. Please provide as much detail as possible – dates, times and locations. For further information, visit www.carlisle.gov.uk/keepcarlisleclean