Crackdown on litter louts

The anti-social nuisances will face 80 on-the-spot fines if they persist with their filthy habit during a week-long crackdown from Monday.

Arun District Council's enforcement officers, backed by the police, will be operating in the town centre as well as the Trees Estate in North Bersted enforcing the clampdown. They will also be visiting outlying areas such as Yapton, Ford and Felpham.

The fines will be issued to people caught dropping cigarette butts, chewing gum, bubblegum and rubbish. Those who fail to pick up their dog's mess will be given 50 fines. People who fail to pay up will be prosecuted.

Arun's environment chief Cllr Paul Wotherspoon said: 'The vast majority of law-abiding residents have been demanding we take tough action on the anti-social minority who foul our streets.

'We are responding to that demand and hitting the litter louts where it hurts '“ in the pocket.'

Cllr Gillian Brown, the district council's leader, added: 'Litter is litter whatever its size. We make no apology for targeting people who are making a mess of our streets.'