Grants for environmental initiatives by community groups are available from money received from the sale of recycled materials. This Council has produced an 'Environmental Statement' , currently being updated to produce Local Agenda 21 Strategy. General practitioners have a duty to inform the Council of any suspected notifiable disease - including food poisoning. Subsequent investigations are carried out in consultation with the GPs, health authority and public health laboratory service to determine the source of infection and to apply control measures to limit spread. For any other pests there will be a charge.
Pensioners now pay half the cost for chargeable pests.
Significant infestations of rats, mice and insects are dealt with within 48 hours of notification. Other infestations will be dealt with within 72 hours. The statutory local authority duty of dealing with stray dogs is carried out by a contractor. In addition to the collection of dogs, the wardens deal with all dog-related complaints, including fouling and barking. There are 47 registered private water supplies in the district.