LITTER louts have been told they will be fined if they drop rubbish on private land in Darlington.

New powers will be adopted by Darlington Borough Council and people who drop litter on private land will be subject to the same £50 on-the-spot fines issued to people who are caught dropping litter on public land.

The new rules come into force on June 8 under the Clean Neighbourhood Act.

It will also be an offence to drop litter in rivers and lakes.

Chewing gum and discarded cigarettes also constitute litter, and fines can be levied if they are not disposed of properly.

The crackdown will work in conjunction with the council's 100-day "Grot Spot Clean Up" operation, which runs from June to September.

Council officers are also working with fast food businesses to tackle the amount of litter dropped by their customers. A voluntary code of practice has been drawn up to reduce the amount of packaging firms use and increase the number of litter bins.

Uniformed wardens will patrol the town and offenders will continue to be named and shamed in the council's Town Crier magazine, which is delivered to every home and business in the borough.

Fines must be paid within 14 days or it could result in court proceedings.

Councillor Stephen Harker, council cabinet member for consumer and environmental services, welcomed the new powers.

To report areas that need the attention of the cleaning teams, people can call (01325) 388777.