Fag butts litter has quadrupled

Smoking in enclosed public places was banned in 2006

Increased cigarette litter since the introduction of a smoking ban three years ago is a major problem, States Works said.

General manager Nigel Dorey said since smoking in enclosed places was banned in July 2006 the number of cigarette butts in streets has quadrupled.

He said: "The additional littering puts pressure on our resources and detracts from our work in other areas.

"Rural zones suffer as we have to spend more time cleaning in built up areas."

Mr Dorey said: "Islanders must understand that discarding a cigarette butt is just the same as throwing away a wrapper, a piece of chewing gum, or any rubbish. It isn't acceptable."

The Public Services Department, which oversees States Works, is supporting an initiative asking retailers to stock personal ashtrays.

"These personal ashtrays are a perfect solution because they are compact and enable the safe and clean disposal of cigarette butts," added Mr Dorey.