Waveney District Council has taken a firm line on Environmental crimes and, in partnership with Suffolk police, will now be stepping up their efforts to clamp down on a range of anti-social activities such as fly-tipping, graffiti and littering.

From April 1st, Police Community Support Officers will be given the powers to issue fixed penalty notices for environmental crimes and will work closely with Waveney District Council to co-ordinate this important initiative.

Rachel Tucker, WDC’s Anti-Social Behaviour Officer is delighted with the new arrangement and believes it will send out a strong message to the people of Waveney.

She said: “Until now, only WDC officers have been able to issue notices and, although we have a good record, a link-up with Suffolk Police will further drive home the message that we want Waveney to be a safe, clean and prosperous district for all residents and visitors.”

The initiative will begin next week and Miss Tucker will co-ordinate the flow of information between the two organizations.

“We already enjoy an excellent relationship with our Police colleagues and this will be an outstanding example of constructive partnership working”, she continued. “By increasing the number of officers empowered to issue notices, we would expect to see a rise in fixed penalties and I am certain that this will prove to be an even more effective tool for discouraging this kind of behaviour.”

Inspector Stuart Grimsey of Suffolk Police said: "With the implementation of Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Suffolk Constabulary have been working very closely with Waveney District Council in a number of areas including environmental crime. This new initiative will further increase the scope for enforcement of offences, which often have a big impact on local communities."