My Barnoldswick & Earby Times, Colne Times and Nelson Leader Column for Friday 31st August 2018.
This week I spent a shift out with Pendle Council Environmental Crime Team. Over the summer recess I’ve tried to join several public services, such as the Ambulance Service and the Police so I can see the challenges they face daily.
I spent the day with Michelle and Jonathon and we undertook a variety of tasks. We visited properties where enforcement action is being undertaken to clear the back yards and saw one in Brierfield being cleared (the property owner who failed to undertake the work will be billed). We followed up the report of an abandoned vehicle in Nelson and arranged for it to be removed.
Followed up reports of bins being left out and placed stickers on those that had been. Picked our way through fly tipped rubbish to identify who was responsible, identified them and then issued three cautions. Followed up reports of fly tipping in Barrowford and Colne, speaking to property owners and gathering evidence for possible prosecutions.
Spotted fly tipping in other parts of the borough and spoke to home owners. Discussed the action the council is taking on dog fouling and littering.
One of the most shocking cases was where a woman was going to be charged over £100 for the removal of four bulky items (sofas etc), by someone she had contacted on Facebook. The person removing this waste may have a licence, but probably wouldn't and the goods could have ended up fly tipped.
A reminder the charge for Bulky waste collection from Pendle Council is £10.00 for up to 10 items. To arrange such a collection please contact Pendle Council on 01282 661661.
A fascinating insight into a team which follow up lots of the issues people complain to me about regularly at my fortnightly advice surgeries. The Environmental Crime Team do an excellent job and I know the new Council administration is looking at ways to strengthen Enforcement Action in the coming months.
I also had the chance to enjoy Colne Blues festival. Despite, the wet weather on the Sunday it was another fantastic weekend and all credit to Colne Town Council for once again putting on a wonderful festival. I already can’t wait for next year and the 30th anniversary of the festival.
