LITTER bugs are being warned they will be hit hard in the pocket if they are caught dropping rubbish in Kidderminster

Wyre Forest District Council’s community and environmental protection is launching a New Year Litter Campaign in Kidderminster town centre next month.

The campaign will run throughout January with officers in the town educating people and raising awareness of the problems caused by litter. And enforcement officers will be out issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone seen dropping litter.

In Wyre Forest, 159 fixed penalty notices for littering have been issued by the council under the Environmental Protection Act in the last three years.

If the £75 penalties are not paid people run the risk of ending up in the Magistrates Court with a maximum fine of £2,500 and a criminal record.

Councillor Rebecca Vale, cabinet member for operational services said: “Litter not only is a blight on our streets but also a drain on council finances.

“I urge everyone to dispose of their litter correctly – bin it or please take it home – so we can keep our wonderful district clean and looking good.

“Even cigarette butts can end up in the watercourse and cause damage, so the message is please use bins and don’t drop them in the street.”

Officers will be outside Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, January 28 offering advice and information about litter.