HARDER hitting measures by Waverley to “clean up” litter and dog mess will see the introduction of on the spot fines of £100 for offenders.

Fixed penalty notices will be issued to dog walkers caught without “poop scoop” bags and those guilty of “general” littering, including cigarette butts and chewing gum.

Waverley is joining forces with East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) in the ‘zero tolerance’ crackdown, which is due to come into force in May for a trial period of one year, following a public consultation.

The partnership will provide Waverley with extra resources at no extra cost to put more law enforcement officers ‘on the beat’, and EHDC will keep a proportion of the fines to fund the scheme.

Waverley executive approved the proposals and committee members backed the introduction of borough-wide Public Space Protection Orders as an enabling measure and to set the penalty at £100, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.

“Residents want the borough kept clean and that is a priority,” Waverley leader Farnham councillor Julia Potts told committee members.

“Waverley spends around £1.1 million keeping our streets and public spaces clean each year. We propose to join EHDC and crack down on the people who leave mess and punish them.

“A lot of people are very thoughtful but unfortunately there are some who are not and we are going to have zero tolerance.”

Waverley’s communities portfolio holder Cranleigh councillor Kevin Deanus said: “There will be no cost to Waverley. This is a service without a charge. It’s a win win for Waverley and more importantly for our communities.”

Elstead councillor Jenny Else urged that Waverley should charge an extra £25 for anyone who was later than 14 days paying a fine, rather than giving a discount for early payments, but was overruled.

The previous fine for dog fouling and littering was £75 reduced to £50 if the fine was paid within 10 days.

A team of enforcement officers will use body worn video to gather evidence when issuing a fixed penalty notice. In law anyone over the age of 10 can be charged and parents are guardians are not liable. EHDC has raised the age limit to 18 “unless there are special circumstances” and that will also apply in Waverley.

Officers will enforce breaches on all public highway and Waverley owned land, including public car parks and countryside sites, and could be extended to town and parish council owned land, if local councils agree.

• To report littering or dog fouling visit www.waverley.gov.uk/report-it or call 01483 523524.