AN enforcement firm operating on behalf of local authorities in the region has hit back following heavy criticism from the public and from councillors.

Kingdom Security withdrew from their contract in Anglesey on Friday, April 13, which was earlier than planned.

The spokesperson, speaking exclusively to the the Pioneer, said the criticism the company had received from the public was beginning to get out of hand and equipment had even been stolen including a camera and notepad.

He said: “Part of the reason was difficulty our staff were receiving. Officers were getting grief and in some cases their personal safety was at risk.”

The company - which operates in among 50 county's across the UK including Conwy and Denbighshire - has come under fire from protest groups – including the Facebook page, ‘North Wales against Kingdom Security’ – and from Denbighshire councillor Paul Penlington who has called on his authority to not extend its contract.

The spokesperson said Kingdom had never endured so much of a much backlash. He conceded that sometimes its officials had made mistakes, but said people had an issue with Kingdom because “nobody likes getting an FPN”.

He said the company, based in Newtonle-Willows, was only operating according to the direction of the county councils.

“Kingdom is engaged to help councils in their efforts to reduce littering and to help create a cleaner and greener environment,” the spokesman said.

“Kingdom helps with this primarily by deterring people from dropping litter, and last year carried out in the region of

600,000 hours of patrol time.

“Our efforts in North Wales, for example, have helped create some of the cleanest streets in Wales as reported by Keep Wales Tidy.

“We have also issued the highest level of dog fouling FPNs (fixed penalty notices) in Wales.

“Kingdom targets those who simply do not have any regard for the environment in which they live, work or visit, so that a more pleasant environment is created for those who do.”