GUEST COLUMN: Fines for residents dumping rubbish in the street, by Coun Martin Wright

Only last week on Westfield Lane I noticed a large supermarket trolley brimming over with these bags. Could it be the perpetrators are not aware that it is an offence to do so or is it people in rented accommodation who do not have the benefit of a green/blue bin?

I have broached this point before in my column. It is the responsibility of the landlord to provide waste bins for their tenants. If you live in rented accommodation without access to green/blue bins then tell the council (call 01623463463) and it will do its best to sort this problem out for you.

Placing domestic rubbish in the street is a health hazard with foxes and cats only too willing to tear them open looking for food. If the perpetrators are identified they will be fined.

Litter is also a problem in our town, it was good to see Mansfield District Council (MDC) taking action recently against two offenders who refused to pay fixed penalty notices when caught dropping litter. Please be aware, Mansfield District Council will always pursue those who are caught fly-tipping or dropping litter on streets around Mansfield district.

Mansfield District Council has made £100,000 available to create further apprenticeships within the council.

Successful applicants will work in various areas of the council and be offered a 52-week fixed-term training programme.

Some of the recent apprentices have been offered permanent contracts following the completion of their apprenticeships. Interested? Visit www.futuresadvice.co.uk/current-apprenticeships.html and good luck to you all.

Mansfield District Council’s dog control service has been awarded a Gold Community Animal Welfare Footprint Award (CAWF) by the RSPCA for the second year running.

This prestigious award was given in the stray dog category, which ensures that all stray dogs are treated humanely and safely while under the care of the council.

It was wonderful to see Mansfield topping the best city category for the third time in the East Midlands in Bloom awards. The judges praised the tour organised by Mansfield District Council parks team, which they said was well balanced and demonstrated the landscape and character of the town with its open spaces, allotments, residential homes, schools and town centre.

In particular, they were impressed by the work taking place at Wynndale Primary School and Asquith Primary School, which received a silver gilt in the Best School Garden category.  Appin Green Preservation Society, on Grange Farm, also received a level four award in the Its Your Neighbourhood category. Well done to all involved.