Litter louts caught spoiling Southend's shopping areas should be fined under a new bylaw, according to a senior politician.

Southend Labour group leader Chris Dandridge said: "The much-heralded Southend town centre litter initiative is a step in the right direction, but does not go far enough.

"The council should consider the adoption of a bylaw which will set fines for those deliberately littering our streets and caught in the act."

Mr Dandridge pointed to the introduction of a bylaw by the Labour and Lib Dem council administration targeting alcohol consumption in shopping areas across the town.

He said: "What was an increasing problem on the streets disappeared literally overnight. Now is the time to do likewise with the litter louts who spoil the street-scene for many people."

A ticket would be issued under the scheme with a set fine to be paid.

Mr Dandrige added: "The street is in quite a disgusting state sometimes, with chewing gum and litter.We need to act now to prevent the problem rather than cure it."

However, Ann Holland, executive councillor for the environment and public protection, said positive steps were already under way to clear up the town as part of the Millennium Makeover project.

She said: "We started with the removal of weeds from the pavement, and just a couple of days ago we launched a scheme with local businesses to put up anti-litter signs in the High Street.

"A bylaw is something we would consider further down the line if the methods we're trying at the moment don't work. We are trying to focus on prevention rather than dealing with the problem as it occurs, but we have take things one step at a time."

A neighbourhood warden scheme and initiatives to reduce dog mess could be considered, said Mrs Holland.

She added: "I don't think the amount that's being done at the moment should be under-estimated. If you see the state of the streets after a busy Saturday night, you'll realise just how much is done to get them clean for the morning."

By Chris Weeks

Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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