ANYONE who drops rubbish will be hit in the pocket as on-the-spot fixed penalty notices are to be given out to litter louts in Pembrokeshire.

Environmental crime enforcement company District Enforcement, known as District, has been signed up by Pembrokeshire County Council in the quest for cleaner streets.

“The council recognises that littering, dog fouling, fly-posting, graffiti and anti-social behaviour are a problem and are unacceptable,” said Pembrokeshire County Council member for housing and regulatory services, Cllr Pat Davies.

“This new way of protecting the environment is a strategic change in dealing with these serious problems and is in response to public concerns.

“Litter bugs, graffiti artists, fly-posters and those failing to clear up after their dogs could be fined if caught in the act by a team of enforcement officers, as part of the authority’s approach to improving local environmental quality.

“Under the new arrangements enforcement officers will patrol the streets focusing on key problem areas and will issue on-the-spot fixed penalty notices to the selfish minority who spoil our neighbourhoods and cause us to encounter avoidable costs, especially in these tough financial times.

“Our partner, District, who are experts in environmental crime enforcement, will manage the whole process.”

A start date in September is being worked on, ahead of which there will be a publicity campaign.