Council urges residents to help keep community areas litter-free

 

Denbighshire County Council is urging residents and visitors to dispose of their waste responsibly, as part of ongoing work to combat littering across communities.

Littering is an environmental offence and anyone caught dropping litter may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice where sufficient evidence is obtained.

The council’s Environmental Crime Team has already issued a number of Fixed Penalty Notices across the county to support wider efforts to prevent environmental crime and improve the cleanliness and appearance Denbighshire communities

Littering can have a significant impact on local communities, the environment and wildlife. It can spoil the appearance of streets and public spaces, create additional cleansing costs and encourage further waste and anti-social behaviour.

Carelessly discarded litter can also pose a serious risk to wildlife, with animals becoming injured or ingesting items that have been left behind.

Jonathan Brittain-Hughes, Environmental Crime Manager at Denbighshire County Council, said: “We are urging people to play their part in keeping Denbighshire clean and welcoming. Most people do the right thing, and we are grateful to residents and visitors who take their litter home or use the bins provided.”

Councillor James Elson, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “We are working hard to reduce environmental crime across Denbighshire and will continue to take action against those who choose to leave litter in our communities as it has a real impact on our streets, open spaces, wildlife and local communities. Where people choose to drop litter and evidence is available, enforcement action can be taken, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices.”

The council’s approach focuses on education, prevention and behaviour change, alongside proportionate enforcement where needed. Officers are working with residents, businesses, schools and community groups to encourage people to take responsibility for their waste and help keep Denbighshire clean.

Members of the public are encouraged also to report environmental issues and provide information that may assist investigations.

Denbighshire County Council says it will continue to monitor areas across the county and take proportionate enforcement action where environmental offences are identified and evidence allows.