New litter officers will be patrolling the streets of Colchester in a bid to crackdown on bad behaviour in the city centre. 

Colchester Council is now working with Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement Services in its fight against littering and fly-tipping.

WISE, which works with dozens of councils to enforce enhancement against littering, will focus on cleaning up the city and its surrounding areas.

Under the new arrangements:

  • individuals suspected of littering can incur a £150 fixed penalty notice
  • dog fouling will attract a maximum £100 fine
  • fly-tipping a £400 fine

The enhanced enforcement activity will see five WISE officers patrol seven days a week, between 8am and 6pm weekdays and between 1pm and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Martin Goss, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services and waste, said: “We want to ensure Colchester remains a welcoming, clean and safe environment for all.

“That is why we are stepping up a gear and bringing in external professional expertise to help us at no additional cost to the council.”

According to Mr Goss, the effort is not just about catching people who litter, as there will also be an education and community work element.

He added: “If you drop litter, you’ll get caught and fined. We are really upping the ante.

“We want our residents to be proud of where they live and the city as a whole, and along with the WISE enforcement team, we will be working across all areas to make that a reality.”