Getting behind the scenes - and the dirt

Some of the key issues within the ward over recent times have been related to fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling.  These are issues we are keen to see minimised and we can have an effect on this.

What we are striving for is a proactive approach that will have sustainable actions rather than short term measures.

We have been working with the council to ensure that common areas are identified and action is taken.  Examples of this have been included in the blog.

One of the latest developments was a morning behind the scenes to see how our safer neighbourhood wardens work.  I am very grateful to SDDC for allowing me to spend a morning with one of the wardens.  It gave me a good insight in a brief window to see some of the work done and also a chance to discuss ideas and give feedback from observations.  These observations have been passed on to the head of service for Housing and Community Services and any response will be further communicated.

In the one morning alone the following types of activities were observed:

• Reports of an abandoned vehicle in Swadlincote
• Checks on the Recycling Centre on York Road for tidiness and evidence of Fly tipping.
• Checks on litter at Glamorgan Way shopping area.
• Reported Fly Tipping at Willington
• Removal of a dead animal in Willington (reported as a dog)
• Noise pollution observations in Hilton

In a further development SDDC have announced via Twitter a new dog fouling initiative.  They are teaming up with @DogsTrust and @KeepBritainTidy to promote #TheBigScoop. http://www.thebigscoop.org.uk .

More details to follow.