May the Force Be With You

12.00.00am GMT Sat 28th Jan 2006

Milton Keynes Council now has its full complement of enforcement officers who will be out and about making sure that the city is a clean and pleasant place to be.

They will be ensuring that owners don't allow their dogs to foul where they shouldn't, people don't drop or dump their litter, or deface surfaces with graffiti or posters. Enforcement officers will be issuing on-the-spot fines to people who defy these laws.

The Council will also take stronger action towards people who regularly leave their rubbish out on the streets for days before the right collection day. This results in refuse being strewn all around the streets and an increase in vermin.

Dropping litter (which includes cigarette butts and chewing gum) is a huge problem nationally. Some people have the attitude that there's no point in picking up litter when the Council will clear it up, but littering costs council taxpayers £2.5 million every year - money that could be much better spent.

April will see the minimum fixed penalty notice that can be given by enforcement officers increased to £75. Failure to pay on-the-spot notices could result in court action being taken and hefty fines imposed.

Enforcement team co-ordinator Pete Roberts said: "Our aim is to educate the people of Milton Keynes that these acts of antisocial behaviour are unacceptable and that action will be taken against those few who have little or no regard for the environment and for other people's right to live in a clean neighbourhood.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Douglas McCall, cabinet member responsible for the environment and localities added: "Everyone needs to take responsibility for the environment to make sure that we have clean streets where people feel safe. The Council's enforcement officers are here to educate the public about those responsibilities and to take action against those who refuse to change their ways."