Crackdown looks to stub out littering

MORE than 15 smokers were handed £50 penalty notices in two days after they were caught dropping cigarette butts in the Capital.

The crackdown, which is focusing on the Gorgie and Dalry area, has seen an increase in warden patrols after portable ashtrays were distributed to businesses in the area.

A total of 17 of the penalty notices were handed out over the weekend, hitting the smokers with a total of £850 worth of fines.

The initiative has specifically targeted people who drop litter after visiting pubs or takeaways in the area in the evenings.

Council wardens who carried out the patrols were accompanied by officers from Lothian and Borders Police.

Mike Avery, south-west neighbourhood manager, said: “Keeping our streets clean and tidy is one of our top priorities.

“Giving advice and support to businesses and local residents is the first step in tackling cigarette litter.

“But we are determined to crack down on the irresponsible minority who have little regard for the cleanliness of the environment we all share.”

The increased patrols will return to the area from May 25 to May 27.