HUNDREDS OF FINES FOR LITTERING AND DOG FOULING

New figures show more than 350 fines have been handed out across Thanet in the last year to people littering or allowing their dogs to foul.

In total, the council's team of community wardens has issued a massive 357 Fixed Penalty Notices, an average of around 30 each month. Anyone issued with one of these is handed a £60 fine for prompt payment, although this goes up to £80 if not paid within 10 days.

Comparison with other authorities in East Kent shows that 50 tickets were issued in Canterbury, while only six were handed out in Dover during the same period.

If people fail to pay within two weeks of receiving the Fixed Penalty Notice, a reminder letter is sent to them, before the case is then passed to the legal department. Around 20 people each month are being summonsed to court and, of all the cases taken to court in the last six months, only two have found against the council.

Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "Local people told us that they wanted the council to take a tough zero tolerance approach to the problem of littering and dog fouling and that's exactly what we've done. Not only are we fining people and taking them to court if they refuse to pay those fines, but we will also be starting a campaign to name and shame those people within the next few weeks. So, not only will you face a costly fine for littering or dog fouling, but you could find yourself being named and shamed for it as well."

Fixed Penalty Notices can only be issued when people are seen dropping litter or letting their dog foul and not when information is submitted to the council about incidents. If you are aware of hot spot areas, times or dates when there are often problems, you can call the council, with as much information as possible on 01843 577888.