Four people fined for graffiti and litter offences

FOUR people have been fined for dropping litter and spraying graffiti in Burry Port.

Council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in the town and in neighbouring Pembrey at the request of local members and the town council.

Two people received fixed penalty notices of £75 for spraying graffiti on stone walling near the skate park.

One person was issued with a fixed penalty notice for dropping litter at Burry Port harbour and a further person was fined for leaving rubbish near the recycling banks at Sea View Terrace.

Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of up to £2,500.

Two people were also been fined for failing to clean up after their dogs at Burry Port woodlands earlier this month.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “I have written to all town and community councils asking them to get in touch with litter and dog fouling ‘hotspots’ in their area so that they can be targeted by patrols.

“Dog fouling is a serious health risk and litter spoils our enjoyment of the environment and can cause pollution and harm to wildlife. We are determined to clean up Carmarthenshire and we will not hesitate to fine anyone caught breaking the law in this way.”

The week of action also included education and awareness at Burry Port carnival with free poop bags handed out as well as information and advice.

Burry Port county councillor Pat Jones said dog fouling in particular was a problem around the harbour area. She added: “Burry Port is a very dog-friendly town, but unfortunately there are a few careless dog owners that are spoiling it. Hopefully, now that people have been fined, it will send out the right message that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Fellow county councillor John James added: “I would like to thank the enforcement team for carrying out their duties in Burry Port in such a diligent and vigilant manner, in what can be a long drawn-out, painstaking process. This must be seen as a clear indication to the people of Burry Port how seriously the county council is taking these anti social issues.”

Residents are being urged to help catch those responsible for dog fouling by reporting incidents to the council as part of a ‘Dog Watch’ scheme.

Pembrey county councillors Hugh Shepardson and Shirely Matthews also met with area enforcement officer Paul Morris to discuss issues in relation to litter and dog fouling in their area.

To report dog fouling please call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or complete the online form at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/dogfouling

CAPTION: Pictured at Burry Port harbour are town councillor Andrew Phillips, area environmental enforcement officer Paul Morris, county councillor Pat Jones, executive board member Cllr Jim Jones and county councillor John James.

Picture: Jeff Connell.

CAPTION: Pictured in Pembrey are county councillors Hugh Shepardson and Shirely Matthews, executive board member Cllr Jim Jones and area environmental enforcement officer Paul Morris.

Picture: Jeff Connell.