New team to target litter and fouling in Mid-Ulster

A ZERO tolerance approach is now being adopted to combat the problem of litter louts in Mid-Ulster, as one local school this week highlighted the severe issues it has been experiencing with dog fouling.

Fixed penalty notices of £80 for littering and £50 for dog fouling are going to be imposed for the offences locally, with a new team of dedicated enforcers now on patrol.

The new focus on litter enforcement is being marked by the introduction of a pilot programme being implemented on behalf of Mid-Ulster Council by the independent company, WISE.

Speaking to the Dungannon Herald this week, the principal of Bush Primary School, Pauline McAlister, said their supervisor was now cleaning up dog dirt outside on a daily basis.

“On one occasion when we returned from the Christmas holidays, there were 11 piles of dog dirt outside the school,” she said.

“Our supervisor checks every day and unfortunately children are getting out of cars, landing in the dirt and then walking it into the school. This has been going on for years and it’s a health hazard and dangerous.”

“We have no idea if this is one dog owner or a stray dog. There are many responsible dog owners, but it only takes one person to be irresponsible and unfortunately this is problem is continuing.

“It’s not a pleasant task for our staff and this shouldn’t be part of their role at school. This is happening outside of school hours, but it’s requiring work from our staff to clean up outside and wash carpets and floors in the school building.”

The extent of the problem of fly tipping was also highlighted this week when a fridge and furniture was dumped close to the junction of the Donaghmore Road and Quarry Lane in Dungannon.

The chair of the Council’s Development committee, councillor Dominic Molloy, said the local authority currently spend £1.7 million every year on cleaning and litter contributes to this cost.

“That’s money used needlessly on cleaning up after those who litter our towns and villages and could be better spend elsewhere,” he added.

But DUP councillor, Clement Cuthbertson, urged caution and said it was disappointing that council staff were not being authorised to issue fines.

“It is unfortunate that an outside body will have more authority than our council staff. But if it does deal with the issues of fly tipping and dog fouling then it’s going to be welcomed,” he said.

“The staff of Bush Primary School are dealing with the problem of dog fouling on a daily basis, but unfortunately I don’t feel that the new project will deal with that.”

His party colleague and chair of the council, Councillor Paul McLean launched the initiative this week, saying, “Littering is quite simply unacceptable, whether that’s throwing rubbish from your car, dumping rubbish on the side of the road or leaving your rubbish strewn across a street or local beauty spot.

“This new pilot programme is demonstrating a zero tolerance approach to anyone who litters and we make no apologies for taking action which will help us all enjoy cleaner neighbourhoods”.