LITTERBUGS are being targeted in the a local authority's latest crackdown.

Following the success of a campaign to fine dog owners for allowing their pets to foul in public, Easington District Council is focusing on those who drop litter.

Six teams of environmental wardens are carrying out daily patrols, issuing offenders with £50 fines.

So far, they have fined three people for littering, in addition to the 120 people fined for dog fouling.

Two people have been prosecuted for failing to pay spot fines, and one person for fly tipping.

The council is developing plans to educate the public to look after their environment, but is threatening that enforcement will be used where people ignore the laws.

A recent spring clean campaign aimed at raising awareness of the problems of litter and fly-tipping in the area was hailed a success, with about 150 volunteers helping council workers to collect 48 tonnes of rubbish and more than 1,400 bags of litter.

Councillor George Patterson, who has special responsibility for the environment, said: "We are firmly on the side of the many residents who want a clean and pleasant local environment, free from litter and dog dirt.

"We are asking all residents to be aware that littering and dog fouling are illegal, and our enforcement teams are patrolling daily looking for offenders.

"It is our wish to make the district of Easington a better, cleaner place for people to live in."