A NEW green team is on the prowl in a bid to catch litter louts and fly-tippers in the county red-handed.

Three enforcement officers have been hired by Herefordshire Council to tackle offenders who affect the quality of the environment by abandoning cars, for example, or failing to pick up dog mess.

The new Community Protection Team has already been called in to investigate problems near Leominster after Birley and Upper Hill parish councillor Angela Pendleton asked team members to address fly-tipping problems.

She said: “I was really impressed with the rapid response from this new unit and it was wonderful to talk to someone who really wanted to sort out the problem.” Now another two officers are being recruited so the team’s good work alongside the council and police can continue.

Team leader Gaby Wright said: “These extra officers will allow us to more fully respond to people’s concerns about the way offences related to anti-social behaviour impact on the environment we live in.”