SEVENTY-three people were fined for littering across County Durham last month (May).

Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection team also issued fixed penalty notices for dog fouling (three), having untidy yards and gardens and failing to comply with litter clearing notices (five) and to waste carriers who did not have the correct paperwork (two).

Additionally, 26 Community Protection Warnings and nine Community Protection Notices were handed out to the owners of untidy gardens or yards.

Wardens also removed 127 stray dogs, investigated 49 reports of anti-social behaviour, attended 148 incidents passed from the police and seized alcohol 117 times from underage children.

Operation Stop It is continuing to tackle flytipping, with 451 incidents reported during May, and Ian Hoult, the council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said there had been a 29 per cent drop in flytipping since November.

“However, we will not be complacent and are continuing to work with Durham Constabulary, the Environment Agency and Crimestoppers to deter and catch those who dump rubbish illegally,” he added.

To report environmental crime or find a Household Waste Recycling Centre, call 03000-261-000.