More than 130 people are paying the price for committing environmental offences in County Durham in March.
Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection team tackles issues including fly tipping, dog fouling, littering and anti-social behaviour.
In March the team issued the following fixed penalty notices:
• 89 for littering
• Ten for dog fouling
• 35 for failing to respond to requests to clear untidy yards and gardens
There were five prosecutions for non-payment of fixed penalty notices, issued for failing to respond to requests to clear untidy yards and gardens, and eight prosecutions for non-payment of fines for littering. 145 advisory letters were also sent out to the owners of untidy properties and three for those who allowed dogs to stray.
Ian Hoult, neighbourhood protection manager with Durham County Council, said: “We always aim to respond to concerns from within local communities and such environmental offences significantly impact upon and blight our villages, towns and rural areas.”
Six offenders were also prosecuted for fly tipping offences. Fines have ranged in costs with one offender being ordered to pay as much as £330.
Ian added: “Fly tipping is a serious offence and we prosecute those who illegally dispose of their waste.
“Householders have a duty of care to use a registered waste carrier to make sure rubbish is disposed of properly without being dumped. We investigate incidents to find evidence to link the fly tipping back to those who dump it.”
All incidents of dog fouling, littering and fly tipping should be reported to the council by calling: 03000 261 000.  Forms are available online to report offences: www.durham.gov.uk