Litter, Vandalism & General Maintenance Policy

This policy covers all aspects of keeping the Town Council’s parks and open spaces in a clean and tidy state, as well as being a safe environment.

This Policy provides the Council with a framework through which to respond to any problems of litter, vandalism and general maintenance.

• Silloth Town Council keeps a very close eye on its grounds for litter and vandalism damage, with checks made daily for both. Response time is immediate to help keep the area clean, tidy and safe.
• All litter bins are emptied on a daily basis.
• The Town Council will repair any damage caused by vandalism, viewing this as the best way to deter such further actions.
• The children’s play area is cleaned and inspected daily and left in clean and tidy state. All play equipment is checked and tested for safety and cleanliness which is recorded and logged on the Playground inspection and maintenance forms. An annual inspection is also carried out.
• Any graffiti will be removed immediately, to deter further problems in this area.
• All pathways and walkways are cleaned and swept on a regular basis.
• The toilet block is cleaned and inspected daily.
• All surface water drains are cleaned and flushed regularly to stop water from pooling and creating slippery surfaces and standing water becoming stagnant.
• All equipment is maintained and kept in good working order to facilitate the most efficient use of working time and ensure the health and safety of staff.
• The Park Manager will devise weekly work plan to assist in the most efficient way of using staff and volunteer time.
• Volunteers from the local community and schools are encouraged to assist with the ongoing maintenance of The Green and to help complete various gardening projects through the year.
• Silloth-on-Solway Town Council will undertake clean up events to assist in maintaining a clean environment and to encourage the community, local schools and youth groups to participate and take pride in their town.
• All grounds maintenance staff and volunteers are asked to keep a look out for litter, vandalism and any maintenance issues that need to be responded to.
• Silloth-on-Solway Town Council will promote and educate with a view to changing behaviours to reduce the amount of dropped litter, vandalism, fly tipping and dog fouling.
• Silloth-on-Solway Town Council will support and request the Dog warden employed by Allerdale Borough Council, to investigate dog fouling and where appropriate issue a fixed penalty notice in accordance with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
• Silloth-on-Solway Town Council will support and request that Allerdale Borough Council investigate fly tipping and littering and where appropriate prosecute or issue a fixed penalty notice in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
• If serious incidents occur, they will be reported to the local Police and/or Allerdale Borough Council, as appropriate.