A CRACKDOWN on littering in Burnley is to be launched after a company was tasked with patrolling the streets to help tackle the problem.

Burnley Council has teamed up with Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services to issue on-the-spot fixed penalty notices.

The agency staff will carry out patrols and identify ‘hot spot’ areas where dropping litter, cigarette ends, chewing gum, dog fouling and street begging is an issue.

The council’s executive bosses have given the go-ahead for the 12-month pilot scheme to start in April.

Council Streetscene officers will continue to carry out their enforcement work.

Cllr Lian Pate, executive member for community services, said the council aims to come down hard of those who litter.

She said: “Our residents are fed up with the selfish minority who spoil our neighbourhoods for everyone.

“Time and again people tell us that rubbish and dog fouling are important concerns for them.

“Anyone who drops litter and chewing gum or doesn’t clean up after their dog should face the prospect of having to pay a £75 fine.

“Burnley Council has taken a tough approach to this kind of anti-social behaviour for years.

“Most people are proud of their town and want to keep it clean and tidy. However, despite years of trying to work with people to tackle these problems there are still some who persist in dropping litter or not cleaning up after their dog.

“It’s now time to take an even tougher approach.”

The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 states if a person drops, throws, deposits or leaves anything that would cause ‘defacement’ in a public place, are committing an offence.

If syringes are found, the council advises people to not touch them and report them to its Streetscene team.

A Kingdom Environment Enforcement Services spokesman said: “Kingdom is delighted to be working in partnership with Burnley Council in its efforts to keep the town clean and tidy.

“The teams we deploy are very experienced and trained to the highest standards.

“Our track record is reflective of our consistent level of excellence.

“Those who continue to drop litter, including cigarette butts and chewing gum, or do not pick up dog foul are at risk of receiving a fixed penalty notice as we work with Burnley Council to tackle such offences.”

For more information visit www.burnley.gov.uk.