Residents are being given a clearer picture of the work taking place to tackle parking problems, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles and dog fouling across the county borough.
A monthly enforcement services update is already provided to elected members and will now help keep the wider public informed about reports received, officer activity and enforcement action.
During June, officers issued 222 Penalty Charge Notices, including 118 for on-street parking contraventions and 104 in off-street car parks.
The service also received 26 reports of nuisance parking, resulting in 24 officer visits. Enforcement activity took place outside schools on 3 occasions, with 1 Penalty Charge Notice issued.
Other activity during the month included:
- 152 fly-tipping reports, with 8 investigations started and an enforcement camera deployed.
- 6 dog fouling reports, alongside 6 requests for patrols, signage and statements.
- Continued investigation of abandoned-vehicle reports, with one vehicle uplifted.
- Targeted patrols and temporary signage reminding dog owners to keep dogs under control and clear up after them.
Work is also taking place to address overgrown hedges and trees that extend onto public footpaths or highways, making it difficult or unsafe for people to pass.
Where an issue is identified, the owner or occupier of the adjoining land may be asked to cut the vegetation back to the boundary, remove any trimmings from the highway or footpath and ensure it is regularly maintained.
Residents who receive a letter are normally asked to complete the work within 7 days. Where the recipient is not responsible for the land, they are encouraged to provide details of the relevant owner so the matter can be progressed.
If the work is not completed within 7 days, Wrexham Council can carry out the work after notifying the owner on the grounds of public safety. All charges incurred after carrying out the work will be passed on to the land owner.
A successful prosecution was also secured against a resident for abandoning a vehicle. The individual was ordered to pay a £660 fine, a £264 court surcharge and £346 in costs after the offence was proven in their absence.
Abandoned vehicle reports must follow an established legal process. This includes inspecting the vehicle, attempting to contact its keeper and issuing the required notices before it can be removed when the relevant criteria are met.
Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment said, “Our officers carry out a significant amount of work every month in response to concerns raised by residents and elected members.”
“Sharing these updates more widely will give people a better understanding of the reports we receive, the action being taken and the legal processes officers must follow.”
“Public reports remain extremely important. They help us identify problem areas, direct patrols and gather evidence needed to take enforcement action.”
Residents are encouraged to report their concerns through the appropriate online forms, which can be found on the Wrexham County Borough Council website.
