Fines for cigarette litter bugs

Falkirk Council said the problem had been getting worse

A tough crackdown on people dropping cigarette ends on the street has been launched in Falkirk.

Council chiefs said anyone caught throwing away smoking-related litter would be hit with a £50 fine.

The local authority claimed the problem had worsened and was turning streets in the area into an "eyesore".

Falkirk Council environment convener Robert Spears said: "Since the introduction of the smoking ban we have had an increased problem."

The new regime is to be enforced from May.