Carmarthenshire County Council is continuing to work with communities to help keep local areas clean, safe and welcoming through targeted clean-up operations supported by enforcement officers.

The initiative focuses on town centres, rear lanes and other areas where littering, fly-tipping and environmental offences can have a negative impact on local communities.

Enforcement officers, supported by e-bike patrols, can cover larger areas more efficiently, increasing their visibility and responsiveness in the places where residents, businesses and visitors want to see improvements.

Targeted clean-up operations bring together cleansing and enforcement teams to tackle environmental concerns, improve the appearance of public spaces and support the pride that local people take in their towns, villages and neighbourhoods.

Since the initiative began, 120 rear lanes in the Llanelli area have been cleaned and improved. The work has been welcomed by residents, with operational teams receiving positive feedback from members of the public who have seen improvements in their local communities.

Carmarthenshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Edward Thomas, said: "We are committed to maintaining clean and safe communities across Carmarthenshire and our targeted clean-up operations play an important role in achieving this.

“These operations are about working alongside communities, listening to local concerns and taking practical action to help make public spaces more attractive and welcoming.

“While the Council carries out regular cleansing and maintenance work, keeping Carmarthenshire clean is something we all have a role in. We are grateful to residents, businesses and community groups who already take pride in their local areas, and we encourage everyone to support these efforts by disposing of waste responsibly and reporting issues when they arise.

“The Council continues to invest significant resources in street cleansing, environmental maintenance and enforcement activities.

“Through targeted clean-up operations and ongoing engagement with communities, the Council is helping to tackle environmental issues and make local environments across Carmarthenshire more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone."

This project is supported by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Wales.

flytipping Carmarthenshire
Flytipping on a Carmarthenshire rural lane earlier this year (Observer)

A spokesperson for Carmarthenshire County Council said: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and if caught you could be fined up to £50,000 or face imprisonment.

“It includes anything from general household waste, for example, fridges, sofas, mattresses and garden waste. As well as commercial and industrial waste, for example, soil, clinical waste, rubble and tyres.

“If you need to dispose of any large items such as a fridge, freezer, wardrobe or washing machine we offer a bulky waste collection. We will collect up to three items for £27.

“If you see someone fly-tipping please report it to us as soon as possible.

“As a householder, you have a waste duty of care. This means that you must only transfer your waste to someone authorised to accept it - 'authorised' means they are a registered waste carrier.”

Residents are encouraged to report incidents of fly-tipping and environmental crime through the Council’s website and to play their part in helping keep Carmarthenshire clean for everyone.