War on litter louts continues as council doubles down on tough action to deliver cleaner, safer streets

Hundreds of fines have been issued across North Lincolnshire in recent months as part of a continued crackdown on littering and nuisance behaviour.

Figures show that in August alone, 177 fines were issued, the majority in Scunthorpe, as officers targeted issues including littering, begging, cycling in restricted areas and street drinking.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about delivering what matters for residents – clean streets, safe public spaces and communities’ people can be proud of.

“If you choose to drop litter, ignore the rules or behave in a way that blights our town centres, you will face the consequences. I make no apologies for fining people who think it is acceptable for others to clear up after them – local taxpayers will not foot the bill for other people’s poor behaviour.

“We’re firmly on the side of the residents who do the right thing every day – the families, neighbours and businesses who are proud of their communities and do the right thing.”

The council spends more than £1m a year cleaning up after others and manages a network of more than 4,000 bins across the area – giving people every opportunity to dispose of rubbish responsibly.

Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, urban, added: “This is something we would rather not have to do, but residents tell us time and again that tackling nuisance behaviour and littering is a top priority.

“These fines send a very clear message: if you spoil our towns and villages, you will pay for it. We are backing the majority of residents who take pride in where they live – those who don’t will pay the price.”

The latest figures follow targeted patrols in Scunthorpe town centre over the summer months, focusing on hotspots for street drinking and other nuisance behaviour. Enforcement teams will now return to their wider patrols across towns and rural areas.

By working with partners, the council is delivering on its promise to create cleaner, safer, stronger communities – standing with residents to make North Lincolnshire a better place to live, work and visit.