OFFICERS from Burnley Borough Council are continuing with a tough new regime aimed at catching litter louts.

During a routine patrol of the town centre on Wednesday, seven people were caught dropping cigarette stubs, paper bags and cellophane food wrappers.

The new strong line on enforcement means that each will be issued with a fixed penalty fine of £50 to be paid within 28 days.

Failure to pay the fines, which were brought in last month, will result in court action.

Councillor Charles Bullas, portfolio holder for community safety and the environment, said: "We are continuing with our tough line of issuing fixed penalty notices to those who drop litter.

"We are also extending this action to all areas of the borough and those who choose to deliberately throw litter onto the streets will now be issued with a fine of £50.

"I urge everyone to use the bins or to take litter home with them."

The fixed penalty notice fine was recently increased by the government from £25 to £50. All money collected is paid to central government and none is retained by the council.