CLEAN AND GREEN TEAM IN ACTION

A 'Clean and Green Team' launched at the end of August will ensure that the new measures introduced by the recently enacted Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act are adhered to in the district. The team has powers to issue penalty notices to law breakers and to ensure that the community remains tidy and safe.

The Act has introduced new offences and increased penalties for anti-social and environmentally damaging behaviour like fly-tipping (which is now punishable by imprisonment).

For the first time fixed penalties can now be given for dropping chewing gum and cigarette butts. Penalty notices can also be issued for a number of other acts, including graffiti, noise and keeping a vehicle that constitutes a nuisance to the local environment, for example because of its unsightly conditions.

Councillor Elizabeth Lee, Lewes District Council Lead Member for the Community, said: "We are sending out a strong message that the actions of people who disfigure or dirty the areas where we live will not be tolerated. We have been working hard together with local communities to ensure our beautiful surroundings are respected and we are looking forward to this brand new team helping us push forward our environmental improvement and protection work."

The 'Clean and Green' team is now operational and one of the first teams in the country to receive their training and accreditation from Encams '“ the environmental charity who run the Keep Britain tidy campaign.

The team is made up of Lewes District Council staff as well as Parks Wardens from Wyevale Grounds Maintenance, who have a contract with the District Council.