MORE than 150 fines for littering have been issued around the district in the first two months of a campaign headed by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).

Since May 18, EHDC’s litter enforcement officers have been issuing £75 fines for dropping litter such as cigarette butts and chewing gum.

District council leader Richard Millard says the amount of fines issued over the first few weeks shows how seriously the council is taking the sticky issue of littering.

“Littering is an issue that many people in the district feel very strongly about,” he said.

“The council spends tens of thousands of pounds per year picking up carelessly discarded litter. That money could be put to much better use.

“We want to drive the message home that dropping any kind of litter, including cigarette butts or chewing gum, could lead to a £75 fine.”

The campaign is being run across the district but officers are focusing on the worst affected areas, such as town centres.

Residents who would like to report a litter ‘hot spot’ to the council can call the litter line on 01730 234131 and officers will visit that area.

The scheme is being enforced by uniformed officers from Kingdom Security Ltd who carry EHDC livery and official ID.

The six-month pilot has been launched to reduce litter in the district and there is no expectation that it will generate a profit.

Any surplus money generated will be put toward environmental improvements based on information gathered during the scheme, for example where new litter bins should be located.