THE battle to clean up Swansea city centre has begun — with those responsible already counting the cost of dropping rubbish.
Litter louts have been warned there's no hiding place in Swansea after 45 people were issued with fixed penalty notices for spoiling our city's streets in the last couple of months.
In June Swansea Council served 23 fines — at £75 each— for littering, including five for dog fouling. In July, 22 fixed penalty notices were issued, including one for dog fouling. They add to 33 FPNs which were given out between April and June.
Fines for dropping litter are reduced to £50 if paid within a week, but there is no reduction for dog fouling incidents.
The council's team leader for enforcement and litter, Fran Williams, said: "The people of Swansea have told us they are fed up with litter louts and dog owners who don't clean up after their pets.
"This is why the council has invested £160,000 this year in extra measures to clean up after them.
"It means there aren't any excuses from the minority of people who think it's OK to discard their rubbish or allow their dog to foul our pavements, parks and beaches."
Swansea Council currently spends around £2.7 million each year clearing away litter, fly-tipping and dog mess and approximately £500,000 of that cost is spent in the city centre alone.
Extra dog mess bins have also been purchased and will help boost the number of bins in the Castle, Penderry and Townhill wards.
The council recently succeeded in prosecuting two individuals in Swansea who had thrown litter on the floor and then failed to pay the fixed penalty notice.
Fran added: "The vast majority of Swansea people take pride in their community. My message to people is that the simplest way to avoid a fixed penalty notice is not to dump litter and pick up after your pet has done its business.
"We are serious about cleaning up the city and we want residents to play their part and help us keep Swansea clean and tidy."