Camera-wearing warden to tackle issues blighting Isle

The Isle of Axholme now has a dedicated warden as part of the scheme launched by North Lincolnshire Council in a bid to tackle community issues.

Since being deployed on August 1 the warden has spoken to residents about their main concerns with litter, dog fouling and problem parking topping the list of gripes.

Coun Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for customer services, sport and leisure, said: “We have a dedicated community warden supervisor for rural areas, which covers the Isle of Axholme. Community wardens have visited the Isle on a number of occasions and have been warmly received by those residents they have met, and also by local business people they have visited.

“Most issues they have been told about concern littering, inconsiderate vehicle parking and dog mess. No warnings have been given as they haven’t caught anyone and no penalty notices have been issued. Giving out penalty notices is a last resort in any event. Advice has been offered to a number of drivers about the issues their parking creates.”

Residents told the Bells dog fouling was one of the main concerns the warden would have to address.

Posting on Facebook Kait Coole said: “Hopefully it will help with the dog mess. I’m sick of having to dodge my pushchair around the piles in the path.” Last month the Bells revealed a rise in complaints over dog fouling, but no one had been fined.Figures showed 21 people complained about the issue in 2014-15, compared to 17 the previous year.

Dog owner Amber Ross, of Epworth, said too many owners just left their pets mess on the ground.

The Isle warden is part of a team of nine who are working across North Lincolnshire also responding to enforcement issues such as fly-tipping, graffiti and low level anti-social behaviour.

The wardens are gathering intelligence on video cameras - the first time the technology is being used in this way in the region.

Councillor Sherwood said: “The idea of body-worn cameras is that there will be no arguing over who is right or wrong. The evidence will be there to use if need be.

“This is a major breakthrough and will help us clamp down on issues that cause concern for many.”