The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 currently applies to open land across the council’s area and roads where the speed limit is less than 40 mph. It does not apply to woodland, agricultural land, moors and heath land. 

The maximum fine for the offence is £1000 but enforcement officers can issue a fixed penalty notice of £50 instead of prosecution. 

The Greensand Trust manages some open spaces and woodland on behalf of the Council. They can issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling in those areas.

For more information please contact the council on 0300 300 8303.

Are you disturbed by loud noise such as music, barking dogs, DIY, audible alarms or are you affected by smoke or odour problems?

We will respond to complaints about nuisance as they are reported.

Find our more about nuisance by referring to the 'Pollution Complaints' page in the Environmental category or call 0300 300 8302.

Garden bonfires are the main source of complaint regarding smoke problems. While there is no legislation banning bonfires, smoke from them can constitute a Statutory Nuisance and result in possible enforcement action. 

Where possible we would recommend that Waste Material be taken to a Civic Amenity Site for disposal, of if practicable, composted or recycled.  

This is the illegal posting of advertisements, leaflets or posters on both council owned and private land and property.

It is the responsibility of private landowners to clear the fly posting from their land. A fixed penalty notice of £80 can be issued to those fly-posting and to any organisation on whose behalf the signs are posted; multiple offences may incur multiple fixed penalty notices. 

For further information, please contact the Council on 0300 300 8303.

The act of graffiti is likely to amount to an offence of criminal damage. 

Graffiti detracts from the look and attractiveness of our area and may send out a signal that those that live there are prepared to tolerate this type of poor behaviour or other similar behaviour.

As the law stands it is the responsibility of the land or building owner to clear the graffiti. 

Any information about offenders should be given to the police on (01234) 841212.

Litter is unsightly and portrays a poor image in our area for both visitors and residents. Anyone seen throwing litter, including chewing gum and cigarette ends, could face a fine of up to £2,500. 

A fixed penalty notice of £80 could be issued as an alternative to prosecution. For further information, please contact 0300 300 8303.

Needles, syringes and other drug related items (clinical waste) discarded in a public place are a threat to public safety and are removed by the council’s Waste Services team – if you come across any drugs paraphernalia, please phone 0300 300 8303. 

If you have clinical sharps, please do not put them in with your household waste, contact the Waste Services team who will discuss collection arrangements with you.

Everybody has a duty of care to ensure that his or her waste is properly disposed of.  As a resident, if you give your waste to anybody other than the waste authority (the council and its contractors), you must ensure that they have a waste carrier licence. 

In addition when they collect your waste, you must receive a waste transfer note, which must be kept for 2 years. If you give your waste to a non-licensed person and it ends up in a hedgerow or field you could be prosecuted. You can check to find out if your chosen contractor has a licence. 

Go to The Environment Agency website  then chose waste carriers from the list; on the next page insert your post code or town to find a licensed carrier or insert the company name to check if they are registered.

Authorised officers from the council can search trade vehicles and will take legal action against those carrying waste without a licence.

If you are aware of land which is affected by waste, let the council know on 0300 300 8303 so that the relevant legislation can be used to ensure the land is cleared.

Fly-tipping is a serious issue and if caught the culprit could face a maximum £50,000 fine and / or imprisonment. 

Do not tackle a fly-tipper yourself but report it to the council with details of the vehicle and driver. 

To report fly-tipping phone 0300 300 8303.