LITTER louts have been given a warning after a rubbish pick was held in Colchester.

Council zone teams and councillors took part in the community event yesterday, outside St Christopher Road shops, in St John’s.

It focused on asking retailers to make sure their customers did not drop litter.

Paul Smith, borough councillor for St John’s: “We have had a problem with fly tipping and general litter outside the shops.

“There is a particular issue with cigarette butts outside the Ladbrokes, but they have installed a butt bin, which not everyone is using.”

He added: “This time, we gave people a warning that we were doing it and if someone was seen to be dropping litter, they were asked nicely not to do it.

“Next time, there won’t be a warning. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep St John’s clean.”