Community Safety Wardens are increasing their patrols around Caerphilly Castle moat to catch anglers leaving litter.
Over recent weeks, caste staff have noticed a small minority of those using the castle moat for fishing have left litter and fishing-related debris behind, such as fishing hooks and wire.
Concerns have also been raised about the danger that litter and such debris can pose to wildlife in the area.
Tony Payne, Cadw’s Head Custodian at Caerphilly Castle said: “Caerphilly Castle is an iconic monument that attracts thousands of visitors every year, and it is important for those visitors to have a positive experience at the site so they recommend it to others, which in turn benefits the Caerphilly region.
“It is therefore key that the site, inside and out, is kept clean and litter-free in order to create a lasting impression – and part of this responsibility falls on the local community.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Community Safety Wardens are increasing the number of high visibility patrols around the moat and will be issuing fixed penalty notices for £75 to anyone caught littering.
Cllr David Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services said: “We are so fortunate to have such an iconic landmark as Caerphilly Castle on our doorsteps, and it is a real shame that a very small minority of people are spoiling the environment for everyone else by leaving litter behind.
“Our Community Safety Wardens will be working with the team at Caerphilly Castle to try and identify who these individuals are, and they will receive a financial penalty in the form of a fixed penalty notice.”
Caerphilly and District Angling Association Trustee Mal Wintle added: “The moat around Caerphilly Castle is such a beautiful spot for fishing, and I would urge anglers not to spoil it by leaving their rubbish there.
“We’re fully supportive of this joint initiative between CADW and the Council’s Community Safety Wardens to ensure this picturesque setting stays litter free.”
No wonder there's so much litter. Many people in Caerphilly simply don't care and pass on their disrespectful attitude when they breed. Also, you could count the number of bins on one hand. People are lazy and don't want to walk out of their way to a bin. To solve the problem, more bins need to be deployed and fine need to be at least £500. Fines need to be hard hitting. If they can't afford it, TOUGH! They shouldn't have littered in the first place.