A Durham County Council neighbourhood warden has started targeted patrols at Hartside Cottages in Annfield Plain, County Durham, to tackle issues with dog fouling and illegal waste dumping. Warden 76 began the initiative on February 21, 2026, following concerns from the local community about the cleanliness of the area.
According to the Durham County Council Neighbourhood Wardens, the work involves investigating sites where rubbish has been dumped and carrying out enforcement visits. Residents living in the small community of about 23 households may also see the warden during educational visits intended to explain how to keep the streets tidy.
Durham County Council has the legal power to issue £100 fines to dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets. These fines, often called fixed penalty notices, are part of official orders designed to protect public spaces and ensure residential areas remain pleasant for everyone.
Neighbours are being encouraged to support the project by reporting any environmental issues they see directly to the council. This information helps the wardens target their patrols and identify repeat offenders who may face fines if they continue to break the rules in the neighbourhood.
