Volunteers are being sought in the south of Great Yarmouth to help NEMO.

NEMO is the acronym of the newly appointed Neighbourhood Environmental Management Officer, Terry Bensley.

Terry, well known for the sterling work he did in keeping the streets clean with the Dynamic Environmental Response Team (DERT) team, is heading the project of tackling enviro-crime in parts of the town by using volunteers to aid a multi-agency approach.

“In the past when there has been a problem like fly-tipping or graffiti GYB Services has been called and sent someone out to clear it up, but the problem often recurs time and time again,” explained Terry.

“Now we want to find permanent solutions - by finding out what is behind the enviro-crime. We will look at things such as - are the same people constantly offending, is there a problem with storing wheeled bins?

“The objective is to ask the people in the area from St Nicholas southward what we need to do to solve the problem and how they can help us. We will quite literally be knocking on people’s doors to get their help, and ask for their ideas.”

NEMO is being co-sponsored and backed practically by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, GYB Services, Norfolk Constabulary, Great Yarmouth Community Housing, and Comeunity at the Neighbourhood Centre on King Street where Terry will be based.

“Using a multi-agency approach we will be investigating the problem, carrying out clearing-up operations such as litter-picks where we would love volunteers from the community.

“The police are fully supportive of this initiative, and the Council’s environmental rangers will also be on hand to help with cleaning operations.

“Everyone involved will also be educating the residents on a range of subjects including the correct use of the Council’s recycling system, such as not contaminating recycling bins with items that should be on the general waste.”

“The launch of the NEMO role responds directly to issues identified by local residents,” said Neighbourhood Manager Rob Gregory.

“The value of this neighbourhood management approach is about co-ordinating agencies to respond far more effectively to issues of enviro-crime and associated anti-social behaviour, the Comeunity Programme is excited to be supporting this initiative.”

Terry Bensley took on his role as NEMO on September 1, to contact him call the Neighbourhood Centre on 01493 845920.