LITTER louts have been warned they face unprecedented scrutiny in Darlington after environment chiefs agreed to back a national campaign.

Fly-tippers could be fined up to £25,000 or face six months in prison if they are caught by the town's community wardens.

Officials say that they have identified the main hotspots for fly-tipping in Darlington and wardens are regularly visiting the effected areas.

The borough council, backed by The Northern Echo, launched an anti-litter drive last November aiming to clean up the town centre and residential areas.

More than 300 on-the-spot fines of £50 have been handed out to people caught littering.

The environmental res-ponse team is turning much of its attention to fly-tippers as it supports a month-long crackdown launched by the Encams environmental charity.

The council's assistant director of environmental services, Terry Collins, said the hot spots would be coming under even more scrutiny.

"Our team works very hard to keep back lanes and fly-tipping hotspots in Darlington litter free. Unfortunately, some people still dump their rubbish wherever they please," he said.

"This is not acceptable and we will be working hard to ensure back lanes and fly-tipping hotspots are kept litter free and that fly-tippers are caught, fined and named and shamed."

The council recently stepped up its campaign by contacting 50 landlords and housing associations, urging them to ensure their tenants do not litter back lanes and alleyways.

Officers are asking them to provide tenants with details of refuse collection days for their property.

Enforcement days have also proved a success, with uniformed wardens focusing on individual areas of the town, handing out advice to residents - and fines to offenders.

More initiatives are planned and are due to be discussed by councillors at meetings.

Residents can help the council clamp down on fly-tipping by reporting any incidents to its litter hotline on (01325) 388777.