Children as young as seven are being recruited by councils
to act as 'citizen snoopers', the Daily Mail can reveal.
The 'environment volunteers' will report on litter louts,
noisy neighbours - and even families putting their rubbish
out on the wrong day.
There are currently almost 9,000 people signed up to the schemes.
More are likely to be recruited in the coming months.
Controversially, some councils are running 'junior' schemes
which are recruiting children.
After basic training, volunteers are expected to be the 'eyes
and the ears' of the town hall.
They are given information packs about how to collect evidence,
including tips about writing down numberplates, which could
later be used in criminal prosecutions.
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Luton Borough Council's Street Seen scheme encourages its
650 volunteers to report 'environmental concerns'. It is also
recruiting 'Junior Street Champions', aged between seven and
11.
Primary schools could also be involved within two years.
Similarly, Islington Council in north London has recruited
1,200 'Islington Eyes' to report crime hotspots, fly-tipping
and excess noise from DIY.
