Council staff given powers to fine yobs (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Council staff given powers to fine yobs

4:03pm Wednesday 30th May 2012 in News By James Dwan

SEAFRONT staff and street wardens have been given powers to give out fines for anti-social behaviour, dog fouling, graffiti and littering.

Eight new recruits from Tendring Council have been given powers to tackle the issues in the district.

They will join three other members of the council’s public experience team who are already recognised under the Police Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

The council officers normally deal with the enforcement of off-street parking, licensing, and seafront bye laws, but they will now be able to demand people’s names and addresses and get full back-up from the police.

Pam Sambridge, cabinet member for technical services, the staff will be able to directly address issues affecting the district.

She said: “Accredited council staff can now play a much bigger part in taking action over incidents like dog fouling, graffiti, littering and general anti-social behaviour and it will help improve people’s quality of life.

“That has to be good for everyone and the more officers who have these powers, the better.”

The council said the officers will carry an identification card that also gives details of the powers they have been granted under the accreditation scheme.