Dales pioneers litter lout fines

Litter louts are to be targeted with on the spot fines if they drop rubbish in a national park in what could be a nationwide first.


The scheme is being run by Craven District Council and the Yorkshire Dale National Park Authority (YDNPA).

It will launch in the Lower Wharfedale area of the park and tackle litter droppers and people who don’t clean up after their dogs.

Under the scheme, which the YDNPA believe is the first of its kind in an English national park, rangers will be trained to assist council officers in fighting anti-social behaviour.

Park rangers Phil Richards and Richard Mainman will enforce the scheme which could see offenders taken to court with maximum fines of £2,500.

Phil said: “As rangers we speak to many people during the course of a year about litter and dog mess and the vast majority are very co-operative and responsible in their attitudes.

“But, on occasions, we do experience problems with persistent dog fouling and with litter louts who leave their disposal barbeques and rubbish behind.

“Initially we will be doing one or two patrols with the environmental protection team then we will be out on our own”.

“And, if the pilot scheme is a success, it could be extended to cover other areas of the National Park.”

Luke Walsh

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