Kingdom Security labelled, “gang of bullies”, will drop its enforcement role in Conwy next month.

In a shock move, the controversial firm has given notice that it will not be extending its contract to police litter and dog fouling in the county after August 9 - despite an offer from Conwy County Borough Council to stay on.

The move was welcomed by Llandudno town councillor Carol Marubbi, former mayor and outspoken critic of the firm, who said: “I’m highly delighted, at long last we’ve gotten rid of this gang of bullies who are only trying to make money from misdemeanours and by intimidating the elderly and disabled.”

Mrs Marubbi was involved with a series of marches against what she labelled “bullying tactics” by the St Helens’ based firm.

Cllr Marubbi added: “I believe in people power 100 percent, and that the Pioneer also needs to give itself a pat on the back for highlighting these issues.”

The council’s cabinet, in an move that was met with criticism from councillors and residents, voted earlier this month to extend the firm’s contract to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for a further eight months - until the end of the financial year - subject to a new set of stricter conditions on where and how to issue fines.

AM for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, said: “After years of work, many will be rejoicing that the “K-word” will no longer be topping the local agenda.”

Peter Rourke, the Llandudno based founder of the 10,000 strong Facebook group North Wales Against Kingdom Security said: “Am I pleased they are gone? Of course. We can now advertise that Conwy is a lovely place to visit again for tourists and residents.

“Pensioners, disabled, vulnerable people have been made to be scared to leave their own houses because they would not be able to afford an fine which have been given out on thousands of occasions for false reasons.

“There are 10,000 of us who want proper environmental officers who follow the law and guidelines to keep our streets clean - for instance, three litter picking groups have been started by members of our group. I’m very proud of that.

“The council will attempt to claim the glory for the resignation of Kingdom - but they should have been removed 18 months ago.”

Yet, concerns have been raised on the gulf that will be left by the firm in maintaining the cleanliness of tourist destinations like Llandudno and Conwy. The council is in the process of setting up a ‘task and finish group’ to come up with a solution for environmental enforcement without Kingdom Security.

Cllr Sue Shotter said: “I am a bit concerned at the news about Kingdom and if there is nothing in place when the company leaves, what happens then?

“It is important we ensure enforcement is still in place the keep Llandudno is as the inhabitants would wish. We don’t want to be standing in dog fouling or wading our way through rubbish.

“As Llandudno is the ‘Queen of Resorts’ we have to be more conscientious than elsewhere because our economy depends upon tourism.”

A spokesperson for the council council confirmed: “Officers met with Kingdom last week to outline the Council’s position and our preferred contract terms.

“We have been notified that Kingdom Services Group do not wish to extend their contract with Conwy County Borough Council to provide environmental enforcement beyond Thursday, August 9.”

“The council was aware that this was a potential outcome, and had already started looking at alternative options.

“The vast majority of the people of Conwy are very conscientious; they don’t drop rubbish, they pick up after their pets, and are mindful and considerate towards the environment.

“We call on the people of Conwy to keep playing their part in keeping the streets of Conwy clean, and urge members of the public to report incidents affecting the cleanliness of the county.

“We know that the cleanliness of our environment is of great importance to Conwy residents and it is a priority for the council.”

Cllr Louise Emery, lead member for tourism said:” It’s important to recognise at this time, there are only three Kingdom officers working across the entirety of Conwy County.

“The notion that somehow the council will now be overrun by rubbish and dog muck is ridiculous.

“We do have officers in regulation who are able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices, although they do have a lot of other responsibilities outside of litter.

“It would have been a lot easier to have Kingdom operate in Conwy in the short term.”

Welcoming the news on social media, Llandudno resident Debra Silcock posted: “The best news this year.”

John Champman and Philip Andrews agreed: “Good riddance.”

However, Zoe Stevens wrote: “Right then now they’ve gone people need to start being cleaner and passing it on to their children. I remember, before Kingdom came, reading every week about how filthy town centres were and to be fair they’re cleaner now as people are scared of getting fined.”

Following the decision to quit Conwy, Kingdom has also served notice ending its partnerships with Denbighshire and Flintshire councils, leaving Wrexham County Borough Council the last local authority employing the company.