PARISH councils in Darlington have dismissed as unworkable legislation which allows them to fine people for dropping litter.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, parish and town councils will be able to employ wardens who can issue fixed penalty notices for anti-social acts such as dropping litter and dog fouling.

However, a meeting of the Darlington Association of Parish Councils heard that the only way parish councils could finance the wardens was by increasing council tax.

Money raised from fines would be handed to central government.

The chairman of the association's committee, Councillor Brian Jones, said: "There's no incentive for parish councils to take on board any of this if they have to pay for it and then hand the money over. All they're doing is trying to get parish councils to pay for more things."

These views were echoed by Councillor Doris Jones, from Middleton St George.

She said: "Every additional service the rural areas want, the answer is to put the precept up."

The legislation allows parish councils to issue by-laws against dog fouling and Mr Atkinson said the cost of these would be met by the borough council.

He said: "If we're going to make bylaws for the urban areas, it does seem a bit inequitable for us to charge for rural areas."

Meanwhile, patrols are being stepped up in Darlington to catch litterers, with more patrols in the town centre, parks and open spaces.

People who leave rubbish in back lanes or outside their homes are also targeted.

Anyone caught dropping litter - including chewing gum and cigarettes - can be given a £50 fine. Last month, 103 fines were issued, and in May the figure was 38. Those who fail to pay will be taken to court.

Children caught littering will be spoken to by wardens and a letter sent to parents.

Stephen Harker, cabinet member for consumer and environmental services, said: "There is no excuse for dropping litter anywhere in Darlington. The extra patrols by the wardens will make sure that anyone who ignores the warnings will be fined."

The extra patrols tie in with the council's 100 Day Grot Spot campaign, launched on June 1. Clean-up teams have been working to clear litter, fly-tipping and graffiti reported to the Grot Spot hotline on (01325) 388777.