A COUNCIL crackdown on littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping is already having a significant impact after just one month, it was claimed this week.

The campaign was launched in response to complaints by residents across parts of West Sussex, and town and parish councils will have an opportunity to play a more active role early next year when the second stage commences.

Chichester District Council’s cabinet member for contract services, councillor Roger Barrow, said: “We issued 300 penalty notices within the first month of the litter enforcement trial.

“This isn’t something that we want to do, but it is getting the message across that we will not tolerate littering, dog fouling or fly tipping.

“It’s also important to point out the money collected from the fines is paying for the litter enforcement trial.

“The majority of notices have been issued because people are dropping their cigarette ends.

“It’s important people recognise cigarette ends are litter and they take years to decompose and leach toxic chemicals into the soil.

“We have launched this campaign in direct response to the feedback we have received from our communities.

“People don’t want to see our beautiful district ruined by a small minority of people. They want us to take action to protect our environment.

“We have been really encouraged by all of the support we have received to date from businesses, town and parish councils, and local residents.

“We are also excited to launch the second part of our campaign next year, which will encourage residents and organisations to get involved in helping to care for their area.

“We want to work together with local communities to make sure our area remains beautiful and is protected for years to come.

“We are really excited to go out and work with residents and businesses on this important project.”

In the New Year, businesses, residents and organisations will be encouraged to ‘adopt an area’ to encourage people to take pride in their area.

They can get involved in a range of ways, from reporting problems, through to community clear-ups.

•Residents can report areas of concern online at www.chichester.gov.uk/againstlitter