inform-residents-newsletter-summer-2017 (3)

15 In brief The Council will spend over £2 million this year on keeping the towns and villages of the district clean and tidy. The dropping of litter, chewing gum and cigarette butts is a constant problem, despite the wide availability of litter bins and public recycling facilities. The Council takes the enforcement of the Litter (NI) Order 1994 and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011 very seriously and is committed to ensuring they are implemented. To help in the enforcement of the legislation, the Council has introduced Dashcams in the Enforcement Officers’ vehicles to capture irrefutable real- time video and photographic evidence of offences listed under the legislation, especially capturing acts of littering. The evidence captured will provide proof of offences for the preparation of court cases to be taken by the Council against offenders. The vehicles with Dashcams will be easily recognisable as they will display signs informing members of the public that images are being monitored and recorded for the purposes of the enforcement of the Act. A Fixed Penalty Notice, imposing a fine of £75 will be issued to people who drop litter. Non-payment could lead to prosecution, with the possibility of higher fines of up to £2,500 and other penalties being imposed. Dashcams to help catch litter louts Crash Car simulator to promote safer driving The Crash Car simulator is a joint safer driving initiative between Fermanagh and Omagh and Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs). The simulator, which is a modified standard car and has been fitted with a high quality sound system, hydraulics, DVD player as well as a smoke and light system, allows young drivers to experience the devastating consequences of driving irresponsibly through the simulation of a car crash in a rural setting. Bookings for the vehicle can be made by schools, youth clubs and other organisations across the two council districts. For further information please contact Fermanagh and Omagh PCSP using the contact details on page 2. Enniskillen Public Realm Scheme A total of £5.2 million has been made available by the Department for Communities (£4.7 million) and the Council (£500,000) to improve and develop Enniskillen’s public realm to include improvements to footpaths, street lighting, landscaping and street furniture. This work will significantly enhance the appearance of the town, making it an even more attractive place to live, work and visit. A project steering group which includes Councillors, members from the local business community and representatives from statutory agencies, has been established to help take the project forward. What happens next? It is anticipated that an Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) will be in place by late summer to progress the public consultation on the design of, and planning for, the public realm scheme. Part of the team’s work will also be to ensure project works are planned to reduce disruption and to allow the town to operate as normally as will be possible while the major works are underway. It is likely this stage will take approximately 12 months, with project works expected to start autumn 2018. Local Alcohol and Drugs Services A guide has been produced detailing local alcohol and drugs services in the Western Trust area. This guide will point you towards the support available to address alcohol or drug related harm including services for adults and young people and support for family members who are affected by someone’s alcohol or drug use. The guide can be accessed using the QR code or logging on to www. drugsandalcoholni.info/roadmap . Pupils from the former St Comhghall’s College, Lisnaskea with local PSNI officers and the Crash Car simulator.