New civil enforcement officers strengthen crackdown on environmental issues

Thanks to a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and housing provider Thirteen, the two additional full-time officers will be recruited to join Hartlepool’s existing Integrated Community Safety Team from the start of the new financial year for an initial 18 months, tackling environmental problems ranging from flytipping, parking and abandoned vehicles to dog-related issues including fouling and dog exclusions.

The appointments have been made possible thanks to Thirteen, which is funding their salaries. Training, uniforms and equipment are being provided by the Council.

Councillors John Tennant and Sue Little, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, and Thirteen’s Lynn Evans and Neighbourhoods Service Manager Natalie Usai are looking forward to the two extra civil enforcement officers being recruited

Councillor John Tennant, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “It’s great news that we’ll soon be seeing more enforcement officers on our streets to help keep our residents safe and it’s a step towards ensuring better treatment of our environment. The Council and Thirteen are showing that a good partnership and shared aims can make our lives better.”

Lynn Evans, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator at Thirteen, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the Council to support these new civil enforcement officers as they will work with Thirteen’s customers and other local residents to tackle some of the issues which our estates face. It’s important for us to work in partnership with the Council because together we can do so much more than we could by working in isolation.

“Our neighbourhood co-ordinators and other staff are in neighbourhoods across Hartlepool on a daily basis and they’ll work together with the civil enforcement officers to provide a more rounded and effective service for the local community, helping to make the area an even better place to live in.”