LITTER louts caught throwing rubbish in public places will soon be facing fines of up to £150 as controversial enforcement officers are introduced.

Pendle Borough Council announced that a team of officers from District Enforcement Ltd began working in the area this week, issuing verbal warnings to anyone seen dropping litter or not picking up after their pets.

But from next week, camera-wielding officers will be able to fine litterers up to £150 if they are spotted discarding rubbish .

Leader of the council Paul White said the need to introduce officers in the town stems from complaints received.

He said: “As councillors, the number one complaint we get is about dog dirt and littering. We’ve listened to residents and will be taking tough action to clamp down on those who litter and don’t clean up after their dogs.

“The aim is simply to make Pendle a cleaner place, because it’s infuriating for those residents who do look after our area to see others spoiling it.”

Fines will vary from £75 to £150 depending on the offence and how quickly action is taken to pay it. Anybody seen dropping litter from a vehicle will face the higher-end fine of £150, dog fouling is £100, as is littering in the street.

But a similar model used by neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen Council has come under fire over the last year, as officers from Kingdom Enforcement Ltd have been reported for a number of inappropriate actions, including issuing fines on private land.

Elsewhere in the country Kingdom enforcement officers have been branded as ‘unethical’, with Liverpool Mayor Joe Andreson scrapping the council’s contract with them.

But despite the controversy, Blackburn with Darwen announced at the start of February that they had extended their contract with Kingdom.

Executive member for environment Cllr Jim Smith said: “During the period of the team’s operation, the team has performed satisfactorily in terms of conduct and diligence.

“Initial impact on litter levels in Blackburn town centre were noticeable, particularly around the bus station, although this improvement has slackened off in recent weeks, resulting in increased tasking of the team.

“While there has been criticism from some aggrieved parties as might be expected, public opinion appears to have been generally favourable.”