THE number of fines that have been handed out in the first five years of the Cheshire East Council’s existence for littering and dog fouling are derisory, see figures below.

With a population of more than 370,000, covering 450 square miles, to hand out just 15 fines for dog fouling over the past two years is pathetic.

To issue just 49 fines in the past two years for littering is simply not good enough.

Dog fouling and littering are two of the biggest concerns of local residents and the council should be taking the problem far more seriously.

Dog fouling is a potential health hazard, especially to the young.

The council has wardens across the borough and should be using its powers to issue fines far more frequently.

At the moment, the small minority of irresponsible residents who drop litter and allow their dogs to foul without cleaning it up have no fear because they know there is virtually no chance of getting caught and fined.

The council needs to do more to educate the public about the need to keep our lovely borough clean, tidy and safe.

Fixed Penalty Notices issued for Littering April 2009 – March 2010 = 31 April 2010 – March 2011 = 82 April 2011 – March 2012 = 21 April 2012 – March 2013 = 24 April 2013 – March 2014 = 25 Fixed Penalty Notices issued for Dog Fouling April 2009 – March 2010 = 15 April 2010 – March 2011 = 8 April 2011 – March 2012 = 28 April 2012 – March 2013 = 6 April 2013 – March 2014 = 9

Clr Brian Silvester Cheshire East Council