COLCHESTER Council is launching a new campaign to crackdown on careless litterbugs.

The new hard-hitting project comes in a series of posters and social media messages asking residents questions like: Does litter make you feel rubbish?, What’s your dirty secret? and Are you a (litter) tosser?

According to the council, the number of incidents of littering and fly-tipping increased across the borough during the first national lockdown.

Now in the second national lockdown, the council is urging residents and visitors to play their part in keeping the borough clean.

The council’s environment boss Martin Goss said: “Not only is littering and fly-tipping unsightly, harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous, it takes time and puts additional strain on our already stretched resources to clear up.

“It is unacceptable that people’s enjoyment of our town is spoilt by those who see fit to clutter the pavements with their litter and discarded food. We are not going to let up putting pressure on those who blight our town through littering.

“The vast majority of people work with us and dispose of their litter responsibly. However, if people insist on throwing their litter in the streets or from vehicles, then we will act.”

“So please, under any circumstances, do not just leave your rubbish laying around – take it home or put it in the bin. It really isn’t worth the risk of being fined for throwing it in the street.”

Gazette: A poster for Colchester Borough Council's anti-litter campaign which says 'what's your dirty secret?'A poster for Colchester Borough Council's anti-litter campaign which says 'what's your dirty secret?'

Last month, the council took part in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British September Clean this year with 23 special litter picking events.

They brought back a massive haul of 174 bags of general waste and a further 28 bags of recyclable material.

Anyone caught littering or fly-tipping faces a Fixed Penalty Notice and fine of £100 and could end up with a criminal conviction.

Even leaving rubbish next to bin is classed as fly-tipping and perpetrators have been identified through the items left in the rubbish.

The District Councils’ Network, which represents 187 district councils in England, has also been calling on the public to act responsibly, disposing of litter correctly such as by taking it home if bins are full.

It is also asking dog walkers to make sure they clean up after their pets.

If you see an act of littering, report it at colchester.gov.uk.