IPSWICH is to have tough new measures on litter louts by introducing on-the-spot fines, it has been revealed today. The new scheme is being launched by Ipswich Borough Council and will be rolled out across the town in October.

IPSWICH is to have tough new measures on litter louts by introducing on-the-spot fines, it has been revealed today.

The new scheme is being launched by Ipswich Borough Council and will be rolled out across the town in October.

Details of the move including the level of the fines will be revealed in a press conference on Thursday but council leader Peter Gardiner has warned potential litter bugs it would be vigorously enforced.

He said: "I think we have been working towards this for a long time now. We have increased litter bin facilities in the town centre and increased frequency with which they have been emptied.

"This gives people every opportunity to dispose litter. Currently we have a very high level of support from the public to move it on to the next stage and take action.

"There are people who blatantly drop litter when there is every opportunity to dispose of it sensibly.

"It will be enforced and is not something that's just a paper exercise because people feel strongly about it."

The fines will be imposed by council enforcement officers and also community support officers employed by the police.

Enforcement will be concentrated in the town centre but officers will apply the fines anywhere in the town.

Children will not be excluded from the new measures although there will be an age limit to who can be fined.

Mr Gardiner said: "We want to have an education programme with children as well. They will not be immune to it when it comes in. They will be warned in the same way as adults if dropping litter.

"When dog wardens were introduced the level of owners allowing dogs to foul has decreased dramatically. This really is an extension of that.

"It's really something we don't want to bring in but we have reached a point where we can quite legitimately do it.

"I think in certain parts it's well known that despite littler bins you still get people wandering through and defiantly deliberately dropping litter."

He added: "You always have the added problem of fast food outlets who we work closely with. It's particularly noticeable late at night before the early morning crews get through."

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