WARDENS have launched a crackdown on under-age smoking on a housing estate.
Durham County Council neighbourhood wardens decided to get tough with child smokers after residents of Framwellgate Moor, in Durham, complained of large groups of youngsters dropping stubs in the area and causing nuisance.
As of Thursday, young people caught smoking under age will have their cigarettes confiscated and any dropping litter could be hit with a fixed penalty notice.
Senior warden Belinda Snow said: "We have been working in this area for some time and with a degree of success but sometimes, despite all our best efforts, the only option is to get tough."
Councillor Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and partnerships, said: "Under the Police Reform Act 2002 our neighbourhood wardens are empowered to carry out campaigns like this and it is important that we protect the quality of life for everyone.
"Local residents have real concerns and we are acting quickly to target the problem.
"Sometimes young people are not aware they are breaking the law by smoking or dropping cigarette butts and this is also a good opportunity to help them understand recent changes in the law."
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