Council runs patrols targeting business waste

Patrols and investigations into businesses leaving bagged commercial waste outside their premises for long periods is "already making a difference", a council has said.

Ipswich Borough Council said it had issued 67 fixed penalty notices during the summer to businesses found breaching waste regulations, with a further 22 cases being processed.

A spokesperson said waste could be torn open and scattered across surrounding streets and public spaces.

"Our targeted enforcement work is delivering results," said George Lankester, the council's Labour portfolio holder for communities.

"The result is less waste being left on our streets and a cleaner town centre for everyone who lives, works and visits here."

Carolyn Allum, a guide dog user from Claydon, hopes the new crackdown will help her and Labrador Lea get around more safely.

She said the pair of them frequently had to navigate into the road, past litter and food strewn across the path, which was a huge distraction and temptation to her dog.

Items such as chicken bones could have "dire consequences" for Lea, and she said: "If her wellbeing is compromised, then my mobility is compromised, too."

Allum joked: "She absolutely is a vacuum cleaner and if I'd named her, I'd have called her Dyson."

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