COMMUNITY leaders in Nailsea intend to use new legal powers to rid their town of litter louts and bring irresponsible dog owners to heel. On April 6, the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2006 came into force which enables town and parish council

COMMUNITY leaders in Nailsea intend to use new legal powers to rid their town of litter louts and bring irresponsible dog owners to heel.On April 6, the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2006 came into force which enables town and parish councils to tackle environmental crime and antisocial behaviour.Town and parish councils can fine those who drop litter, daub graffiti or put up illegal advertisements.The legislation also gives them the power to make and apply dog control orders to cover land in their area, requiring dog owners, for example, to clear up after their pets, or keep them on a lead.If people flout the law, town and parish councils can issue them with fixed penalty notices or take them to court. At a recent meeting, members of Nailsea Town Council's planning and environmental committee discussed the new powers at their disposal. Cllr Marston Dufty said: "I think we want to take the initiative here."We've been frustrated by the impotence we have with regard to enforcing proper behaviour with regard to dogs on the playing fields and litter issues in and around Golden Valley, which are really dreadful, and we want to do something about them."Here's a chance to do just that."I think we should make a decision to take this up."What we need is more information about who we can employ to enforce the new act. We should find that out and get on with it."Cllr David Packham said that the council should encourage North Somerset Council to site wardens in Nailsea to enforce the act.Cllr Marston Dufty replied that if the district council couldn't employ wardens, the town council ought to look at doing so.As a result of the discussion, Nailsea Town Council's clerk, Ian Morrell, is finding out more about how the council can start putting the new legislation into practice.