Town set to get litter officers

Smokers who drop butts outside buildings will be particularly targeted

A Berkshire council is planning to clamp down on litter throwing by employing two wardens to deal with the problem and issue on-the-spot fines.

Anyone caught littering in Windsor or Maidenhead could face a £75 penalty.

The new litter enforcement officers will take part in "blitzes" on specific areas and will be supported by police.

The new policy was discussed at a planning and environment meeting on Monday and will be presented to cabinet for approval on 24 July.

Councillor Colin Rayner said: "Cigarette butts and chewing gum are classified as litter and areas where smokers congregate - and drop stubs - outside buildings will be particularly targeted.

"Even one piece of litter is one piece too many and we intend to make the borough even cleaner - making it even more appealing to residents, employees and visitors."

Businesses that fail to take responsibility for their litter could find themselves facing legal action.

Paul Leonard, who lives in Maidenhead, said he hopes a heavy fine will stop people dropping litter.

"I think it's going to have an effect, because I think once bitten is twice shy and if they do once and they get fined they're not going to do it again.

Alex Deane, also from Maidenhead, said he often finds beer cans and cigarette packets thrown into his front garden.

"I try to keep it clean but there's only so much you can do," he said.