PEOPLE who drop litter in Leigh and Atherton are being warned that they face fines in a new crackdown by Wigan Council.

From Tuesday, specially appointed wardens will have the power to issue £50 fines to anyone caught dropping rubbish.

In February, the council launched its high-profile campaign to "Kick Litter into Touch" and warned everyone about the penalties.

The council has trained 20 officers to act as litter wardens -- but they will not be in uniform so people will not know who they are. The new powers mean anyone over the age of 10 could face a fine.

The most common litter includes cigarette ends, sweet wrappers, drinks cans, chewing gum and fast food packaging.

The council has already tested fixed penalties to tackle dog fouling and all but three of the 40 fines issued have been paid.

The Government has allowed Wigan Council to keep any money raised from litter fines, which will be put back into further improving the state of the borough's streets.

Cllr Brian Strett, cabinet member for the environment, warned people that there was no excuse for dropping litter and there would be few hiding places from the council's wardens.

He added: "The council will not hesitate to use them to stamp out the scourge of litter in our streets."

PEOPLE who drop litter in Leigh and Atherton are being warned that they face fines in a new crackdown by Wigan Council.

From Tuesday, specially appointed wardens will have the power to issue £50 fines to anyone caught dropping rubbish. In February, the council launched its high-profile campaign to "Kick Litter into Touch" and warned everyone about the penalties.

The council has trained 20 officers to act as litter wardens -- but they will not be in uniform so people will not know who they are. The new powers mean anyone over the age of 10 could face a fine. The most common litter includes cigarette ends, sweet wrappers, drinks cans, chewing gum and fast food packaging.

The council has already tested fixed penalties to tackle dog fouling and all but three of the 40 fines issued have been paid.

The Government has allowed Wigan Council to keep any money raised from litter fines, which will be put back into further improving the state of the borough's streets.

Cllr Brian Strett, cabinet member for the environment, warned people that there was no excuse for dropping litter and there would be few hiding places from the council's wardens. He added: "The council will not hesitate to use them to stamp out the scourge of litter in our streets."