WITH the message surrounding fly-tipping now hitting home, cleansing teams have been kept busy across Lowestoft this week with another area of concern.

WITH the message surrounding fly-tipping now hitting home, cleansing teams have been kept busy across Lowestoft this week with another area of concern.

Leaf litter is the latest problem identified - Waveney District Council's cleansing team has swept up nearly 15 tonnes of leaves.

The council has teamed up with The Journal and its Keep Lowestoft Tidy campaign which has been running for more than five months.

This week, cleansing service manager Mike Daniels said: “Waveney District Council is responsible for the collection of litter from any area of public land within the district and this includes

our annual battle with falling autumn leaves.

“This week, the crews have been dealing with the problem and to date have swept up nearly 15 tonnes. It is an important job as they can cause problems such as blocked drains, can hide trip hazards, the edge of pavements and a multitude of sins, such as dog foul,” he added.

The continuing battle to wipe out dog fouling has led to complaints to the council this week about owners failing to clear up after their pets in Norwich Road, Worthing Road, Sussex Road and St Margaret's Road.

He said: “We would like to remind people it is illegal to fail to clear up after your dog. When you walk your dog, you should go equipped with the means to clear up after it. There are no excuses.”

There was better news surrounding fly-tipping this week with only 10 incidents reported.

“The majority of this consisted of bags left at refuse collection points,” Mr Daniels said. “We removed bagged waste from along the A146, as well as Leiston Road, Norwich Road, Granville Road, Love Road, The Hemplands, Selby Street and Normanston Drive.”

Mr Daniels reminded people that the council's policy is only to collect wheelie bins and empty their contents.

“Refuse crews will not take any items left outside the bin,” he said. “This is treated as fly-tipping or littering, depending on the volume and severity and both crimes will be treated and investigated accordingly.”

To report any problems to the cleansing department telephone 01502 523468.