Town to pay £9,000 for warden to tackle dog fouling and littering

BARNARD Castle could have a dedicated neighbourhood warden next year to crack down on dog fouling and littering in the town.
Income from the town’s weekly market would partially cover the cost of the warden who would work two days a week if the plan goes ahead.
Last year the idea was rejected because of the impact the cost would have on residents’ council tax bills.
But now by giving the warden the additional responsibility of running the weekly market and maintaining children’s play parks, the
council’s services committee believes it is possible to cover the cost.
The committee decided during its meeting on Monday last week to recommend that the council include a cost of £9,035 in its budget for
next year to employ the warden.
The market makes a surplus of about £5,000 which the committee wants to use to subsidise the expense.
In a report to the committee, town clerk Michael King said the warden would be trained free of charge by Durham County Council which would allow them to issue fines for dog fouling and littering.
He said: “As has been previously considered, a suitable part-time warden’s duties may cover dog and litter enforcement, play area inspection and market day supervision and rent collection.”