Following on from similar schemes in Dennistoun, Partick and Shettleston, the work will focus on issues such as littering, dog fouling and illegal disposal of commercial  and domestic waste.

Beginning on 24 February 2006, Environmental Protection Services staff, working in partnership with Strathclyde Police, will be working in Pollokshields identifying problems and taking action.  During the last targeted campaign in Dennistoun, more than 100 penalty tickets for littering were issued, resulting in a noticeable difference in the area.

Glasgow is no different to other similarly sized cities when it comes to problems with littering and other environmental crimes.  Where there is a combination of business premises and flatted residential property in a fairly small area, the problem is often worse.  Pollokshields residents have complained both to the Council and local councillors about litter – particularly commercial waste.

The Council already has put in extra staff to clean up the area but action now needs to be taken on the offenders to get the message through.  Leaflets and letters in English, Punjabi and Urdu, explaining the enforcement activity and general advice, will be distributed to residents, traders, community halls and libraries.

Convener of the City Council’s Environmental Protection Services Councillor David Stevenson said:  “Extra staff to clean up is not the solution to the litter problem in Pollokshields.  We need to get the message across to the minority in the area that their behaviour is not acceptable to everyone else.  By using enforcement powers that include fines, we hope to remind offenders of their responsibilities to keep Pollokshields a clean place in which to live and work.”

People spotting fly-tipping taking place can call the Council in confidence on

0800 027 7027

• The target action is likely to last for several weeks and will primarily focus on Albert Drive and surrounding streets.
  
• Complaints from residents have covered commercial and domestic rubbish left on the street and litter being carelessly dropped despite numerous bins in the area.
  
• The fixed penalty fine for littering is £50.  For dog fouling it starts at £40 – going up to £60 if not paid in 28 days.
  
• Traders will require to show evidence they take their ‘Duty of Care’ with regards to the disposal of waste seriously and provide appropriate paperwork.
  
• In a recent case successfully taken to Glasgow Sheriff Court by the Council a trader in the west of the city has served an order requiring the area round the premises to be kept clear of litter.
  
• The Council works closely with schools and local communities on improving their environment.  Fines are used where offences warrant more severe action.
  
• Since 2004, more than 1,500 fixed penalty tickets have been issued in Glasgow.