City Council officers issued 180 fixed penalty notices for littering in an eight-day crackdown on environmental crime outside Central Station and surrounding area as part of a citywide commitment to tackling the rule breaking minority.
The targeted activity, supported by British Transport Police and train operator East Coast Mainline, has helped to preserve the reputation of the regional transport hub as a clean and welcoming gateway for visitors to the city and send out a strong message that littering will not be tolerated.
The get-tough approach is a concerted effort to address the negative impact of environmental crime and anti-social behaviour by targeting potential hotspots with robust enforcement measures.
The policy is part of the council’s decent neighbourhoods agenda which was launched last month when fixed penalty notices for littering and dog fouling were increased from £50 to £75.
The clampdown was preceded by and 18-month campaign of education and engagement designed to raise awareness of the issue and encourage personal responsibility and behavioural change.
This year, the council has invested £150,000 in reinforcing its environmental crime team, using six additional officers who will be deployed enforcing new notices from the wardens service which has had previous cuts reinstated and posts protected.
Councillor Henri Murison, cabinet member for Quality of Life at Newcastle City Council, said: “The administration is committed to delivering its manifesto commitments and putting more of the cost of crimes against the environment and the community, like littering and dog fouling, on the offenders and not the hard working majority.”
“Hard working families across the city tell me they are sick of paying the cost of crimes caused by the minority who don't play by the rules, which is why I am calling time on the people who ruin our pavements and parks for the rest of us."
Sean Bullick, chief executive for business improvement district company NE1 Ltd, said: “A clean city centre is more than just window dressing, it sends an important message to businesses representatives and shoppers that the regional capital is committed to creating the right climate for investment. We applaud the city council for this intervention and urge all partners to continue to build on this progress.”
Tim Hedley-Jones, Stations & Property Director for East Coast, which manages the station, said: “The environment of our stations is a key driver of customer satisfaction with East Coast. Central Station is a fantastic and iconic gateway to the city, and we welcome this initiative and partnership approach to protecting the environment within and around this station.”
Page last updated: 5 July, 2012
