New teams to tackle parking issues, environmental crime and anti-social behaviour in Telford

Community Action Teams, known as ‘CATs’, will start operating across Telford & Wrekin over the next few weeks, with the first launching in the Great Dawley Council area this week.

The teams will be tasked with dealing with parking problems, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, liaising with councils and contractors to identify issues and arrange projects, as well as cleaning and maintaining public grounds.

The new teams are being paid for by participating town or parish councils, and match-funded by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Council leader Councillor Shaun Davies said: “The Community Action Teams will be a dedicated resource to improve the look and the feel of communities and will have an enforcement officer to deal with things like anti-social behaviour, looking for people who fly-tip and those who are inresponsibly parking across the communities that we serve.

"The community actions teams are a significant investment right across the borough. I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to the 10 parish and town councils that have joined up in different guises.”

Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for enforcement, said: “This will make a big difference to our community. I know just how important it is that our communities are clean and green.

“I also know how important it is, with the reduction in police numbers across the borough, that people see enforcement officers in their communities.

“I am sure residents will begin to see the difference as the teams begin to launch across the borough.”

Councillor Lee Carter, cabinet member for neighbourhood, commercial services and regeneration, added: “We know one size doesn’t fit all and that is why we are offering this very local, tailored service to help deal with the very specific needs of their area.”