Huge cost of cleaning up streets

Dropping cigarette butts could cost smokers £50

Litter louts are costing council tax payers in the East Midlands more than £55m a year.

Although bins in Nottinghamshire are emptied regularly and graffiti is under control, streets are too cluttered to be cleaned, according to campaigners.

A survey, by independent charity Keep Britain Tidy, highlights smokers, drinkers and fast food fans as the main culprits for dumping their litter.

Nationally, fast food rubbish is up 450% and drinks litter 65% since 2001.

Amy Whatton, regional director of Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Councils in our region have taken a long, hard look at themselves and are planning and cleaning more efficiently.

"Now we need to stop the streets from becoming a mess in the first place and unless we bring to book the minority who show a blatant disregard for the local environment, we will never enjoy clean, safe and pleasant open spaces."

The survey praised Nottingham's efforts to clamp down on flyposting.

Christine Walker, enforcement and project officer at Nottingham City Council, said: "To date 13 fixed penalty notices of £50 have been issued for fly posting, all of which have been paid.

She explained that a special site had been set aside to promote local events.

"We have introduced the local events advertising hub solely for the use of local venues and promoters to advertise events legitimately which contributes to a clean and tidy town, " she said.

"However, Nottingham City Council will continue to apply a zero tolerance to illegal fly posting."