A new “Neighbourhood Enforcement” has been welcomed by Chiswick Homefields Councillor Gerald McGregor. At the Chiswick Area Forum last Tuesday, Council Officers gave a briefing on the new team that will be the “eyes and ears” of Hounslow Council.
The new team which formed in November, is described as a “major change in enforcement” and combines a more joined up approach, working alongside Hounslow Highways, Police and Estate Wardens. They will have powers to issue fines for people who “spit, drop litter, fly tip or let their dogs foul in public spaces”. In addition, sharing of intelligence by use of dashboard technology (often used by Police) shall go a long way to identifying environmental crime hotspots and more targeted action.
Commenting on the new move, Vice Chair of the Chiswick Area Forum Councillor Gerald McGregor said,
“This new team will go a long way in helping support our Police, Estate Wardens and Council in targeting better the everyday enviro-crimes. Each area forum from the West to Central Hounslow and Brentford to Chiswick, shall have its own dedicated area enforcement team and report back twice yearly about their work and progress”.
Already, the initiative has issued 302 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) Borough wide from mid-December to the end of last year. The New Year has so far seen 410 FPNs issued across Hounslow up until the end of January and 193 in the month of February.
Currently, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) already have the powers to issue FPNs for example, cycling on the pavement, dog fouling, littering and graffiti. However, Conservative Councillors this Tuesday will be asking the Council to support broadening the role of PCSOs to deal with Fire risks by home visits and providing First Aid. This comes after a Report produced by Tony Arbour (GLA Conservative Member for Hounslow) called for greater powers to identify and support victims of fraud and report alleged fraudsters.
“The Report produced by our Conservative GLA Member Tony Arbour, “Tri-Service: Broadening the role of PCSOs”, is a fine example detailing best use of our resources when so much is limited. This does dot negate the fact that we as Councillors have our part to play and whether it is the Street Sweeper, Dog keeper or Council leader, all of us have a role to play in tackling enviro-crime and anti-social behaviour”.
Your local Neighbourhood Enforcement Contacts are:
· Anthony Robinson – Chiswick Team Leader: 0208 583 5182 or Mobile: 07976 357 468
· Robert Moran – Senior Enforcement Officer: 0208 583 5064 or Mobile: 07851 290 249
Councillor Gerald McGregor – Vice Chair of Chiswick Area Forum: