Young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf could end up paying dearly for their lunch time chips if they are found mindlessly throwing their rubbish in the street.
This is the latest scheme to be introduced by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Streetcare Enforcement Team as they patrol the lunch time hotspots near local schools in a bid to keep our streets clean and waste free.
For many years residents have complained about the mess that school children often leave behind them after their lunch breaks. The mess includes; cans, bottles, chip wrappers, burger boxes, chewing gum, juice cartons, crisp packets and sandwich boxes. With clean up costs escalating in to thousands it’s time to take action.
The new scheme has already resulted in 3 fixed penalties being issued to young people and it is hoped that it will make them think twice before they throw their wrappers outside local shops, residential properties and in to street gullies.
Failure to pay the fixed penalty notice of £75 could result in the case being sent to court and if found guilty the young person could face a criminal record and up to a £300 fine.
“This has been a problem in Rhondda Cynon Taf for many years and it won’t be tolerated anymore! The careless littering carried out by many young people is illegal and causes problems for residents and the Streetcare Team. Litter in the streets has a detrimental impact on the environment and public health,” said Nigel Wheeler, Service Director for Streetcare at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
”As well as creating unsightly environmental conditions, the offence can attract vermin. In addition, the clean up costs of the increased litter and waste places a financial burden on the local authority, which inevitably ends up being passed on to taxpayers.
“The Streetcare Enforcement Team will do all in its power to eradicate this type of behaviour in the Country Borough in an effort to make Rhondda Cynon Taf a clean and safe place to visit, work and live in.
