Litterbugs are butt of crackdown

Litterbugs who drop cigarette butts and chewing gum on the pavements of Lincoln are to face £50 fines.

The city council is using new legislation to extend its fixed penalty notices, which currently covers dog fouling and other types of litter.

Council chiefs warn they also now plan to crack down on motorists who throw rubbish from their car windows.

They said they currently spent about £140,000 each year on removing litter from the city centre area alone.

Environmental enforcement officer Tony Garner said: "We want to send out a message that this kind of anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated on the streets of Lincoln.

"Our officers will be working hard to ensure those caught dropping litter, damaging the environment for the rest of society, will be penalised for their actions."