Call for more civic pride as Keep Blackpool Tidy campaign relaunched in battle against litter louts

A new campaign to clean up Blackpool's streets has been launched and it is hoped it will tackle litter louts and those who illegally fly tip.

Dog-fouling and graffiti offences will also be clamped down on as part of the renewed drive with a warning fines will be issued to people caught dumping rubbish.

The council's waste services company Enveco is leading the campaign and is urging residents to take the Keep Blackpool Tidy Pledge, as well as providing more opportunities for people to become volunteer litter-pickers.

A poster and video campaign will be launched to encourage residents to support the scheme and create a stronger sense of civic pride.

Other aims include encouraging people to keep their own streets litter-free; reducing the amount of fly-tipping, dog fouling, graffiti offences and litter dropped; establishing links with businesses and communities; increasing Blackpool’s recycling rate; and achieving an overall improvement in the cleanliness of the town.

Enveco has responsibility for street cleanliness, as well as bin collections, and its full-time team already works with around 157 volunteer litter-pickers.

Chair of Enveco NW Board and deputy mayor of Blackpool Coun Adrian Hoyle said: "Keeping Blackpool Tidy is the responsibility of everyone who lives, visits, and works in our town. Having a campaign that encourages civic pride, whilst educating on the ways to keep our town clean and tidy is a valued asset to have, which I am excited to be involved in.”

The campaign has been welcomed by community leaders who say litter is one of the main complaints from residents.

https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/newsletter

Dave Blacker, chairman of Talbot ward PACT (police and community together), said: "Litter and dog fouling are perennial issues, and one of the things people talk about a lot at our meetings is wanting cleaner streets. We wouldn't need litter-pickers if people didn't drop litter in the first place, so as a PACT group we would welcome this campaign. We want tidy streets."

The council says it spends more than £300,000 a year removing fly-tipped waste.

Enforcement action includes -

Litter: If someone is seen dropping litter and walking away they will be issued a fixed penalty notice of £150. This includes all types of waste including cigarettes, vapes, and chewing gum.

Dog fouling: If a dog owner lets their dogs foul and does not pick it up or doesn’t have the means to do so then Blackpool Council’s dog wardens and Enveco staff can issue an on-the-spot fixed penalty of £100.

Fly-Tipping: Following investigation, NEAT (Neighbourhood Environmental Action Team) officers can issue means-tested fines starting from £400.

Graffiti and Fly posting: If someone is seen producing graffiti or fly posting they will be issued a fixed penalty notice of £150.

For information on the campaign and to sign the pledge, go to: Keep Blackpool Tidy (enveconw.co.uk)