A CAMPAIGN aimed at ridding Darlington of litter louts is to be stepped up in the run-up to Christmas.

Several known problem areas in both the town centre and on residential estates will be targeted in the crackdown unveiled by the environmental health managers.

Litterbugs cost the borough council about £850,000 a year - and the authority has said enough is enough.

Fast food outlets in particular will be the focus of attention for the council's team of uniformed wardens.

They will be making sure there are enough bins outside shops, as well as advising business owners about the dangers of litter.

Dozens of fixed-penalty fines have already been handed out to residents and more will follow in the six weeks leading up to the festive season.

Stephen Harker, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "We are determined to break the culture of litter. Litter louts are irresponsible - the mess they leave has to be cleaned up and it is the council tax payer who has to foot the bill."

The fine for littering has been doubled since April, meaning anyone caught dropping litter on the streets of Darlington, or failing to clean up after a pet can now be fined £50, compared with £25 previously.