Initiative to end fouling in Cumnock

Cabinet recently approved the permanent establishment of a Corporate Enforcement Unit (CEU). This dedicated team has been developed to provide a more effective approach to enforcement action through the issue of Fixed Penalty Notices and associated activity relative to dog fouling, fly tipping, littering, illegal dumping and smoking enforcement.

The unit comprises of two dedicated officers who will coordinate the work of the CEU and provide a regular and routine enforcement role in the operation of the relevant statutory enforcement activities which involve the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices.

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Environment and Regeneration said: "The CEU has already carried out a pilot initiative in Stewarton. This initiative was a good example of partnership working with the two dedicated CEU officers working closely with the Police and the Community Wardens to address the specific problems of dog fouling in the area. This provided the opportunity of engagement with dog owners and allowed the team to educate dog walkers on the importance of responsible dog ownership. One fixed penalty notice was also issued during the two day pilot.

"This successful pilot will be followed shortly with two major initiatives involving Kilmarnock and Cumnock. Further employee training has been scheduled for the beginning of next month which will allow employees throughout the Council to be involved with the process of issuing Fixed Penalty Notices. This will allow the CEU to coordinate activity within all departments of the Council.

"The Council is fully committed to the regeneration of the area and improving the environment is key to this. The CEU will be a focused central resource which will help to improve our general surroundings. However the Council can't do this alone we need commitment from the community to make this happen. The Kilmarnock Standard's Dumb Dumpers campaign is fully supported by the Council and I would like to thank the Standard for helping to raise awareness of the problem of littering and fly tipping. By working together we can make a real difference."

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