With the exception of last week’s dismal weather, so far, we have had a pleasant summer, and like many other South Gloucestershire residents I have tried to make the most of it by spending time outside in the sunshine.

And when you are out and about, whether going for a walk or for a picnic in the park, you want everything to be welcoming and tidy, so when you see that rogue dog poo or pile of rubbish abandoned on a street corner, it certainly brings down the character and the appearance of the area.

As local Councillors, it is our job to speak to our residents about the communities we live in, learn of their concerns and try to find a solution.

Earlier this year, the Council adopted new powers that mean motorists littering from cars and dog walkers failing to pick up after their pets could face maximum fines if they make a mess in South Gloucestershire – a move supported by 94 per cent of residents surveyed. Existing fines for littering have also been increased.

The aim of increasing enforcement and raising penalties for those caught littering is to educate and change public behaviour that will reduce environmental issues and create cleaner, greener communities, building on our existing success with tackling fly tipping.

What is important to us as a Council is making sure we are listening to our residents, taking on board their suggestions and putting in place policies that put the public’s wishes into action.

When it comes to tackling public mess, this goes hand in hand with one of the Council’s main priorities– that our residents take pride in what they see when they open their front door – not just in their local streets but their parks and play areas as well.