A NEW grime squad has been set up by East Devon District Council to provide a safe and green environment for residents in Sidmouth.

A NEW grime squad has been set up by East Devon District Council to provide a safe and green environment for residents in Sidmouth.A five-strong REACT team has been taken on for 2008 under the StreetScene banner to be on hand to move quickly to any problem hot spots. As well as working in Sidmouth, it will cover other towns in the district.The five, team leader Paul Pendry, Jerry Royston, Paul Chandler, Lynda Packer and Ray Room, have distinctive uniforms and will soon become a familiar sight in towns and villages in East Devon.As well as being responsible for cleaning up litter, chewing gum and graffiti, REACT will also deal with fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles and can become involved in cases of anti-social behaviour.While the team will use their voices to educate and their hands to clean up as necessary, they will also have teeth, being able to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone caught fly-tipping, dropping litter or spraying graffiti.Councillor David Cox, EDDC's portfolio holder StreetScene, said: "In line with EDDC's traditional approach, we hope that those few people who are guilty of anti-social practices will heed the warning that we are giving out through the new REACT team and do their bit towards keeping the district clean and green."But they also need to know that we mean business and that anyone who spoils East Devon for the enjoyment of others is likely to pay the price, through the enforcement powers the REACT team members possess."The team is not responsible for clearing up dog mess problems. That is down to enforcers from EDDC's environmental health service.l Have your say: Write to the Herald at 106 High Street, Sidmouth.