A COUNCIL is launching a crackdown on litter louts in a town centre.
Easington District Council's environmental wardens will patrols Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee, and hand out £50 on-the-spot fines to people dropping rubbish.
The council hopes the initiative will reduce the amount of litter that has to be cleaned up and encourage people to use waste bins.
It is warning that people who do not pay the fine could be taken to court, where the penalty is up to £1,000.
Posters have been put in shops, warning people of the initiative.
Ian Harrison, the council's senior environmental warden, said: "A lot of people come through the town centre each day and the waste dropped can make the area look unsightly.
"Shoppers should be aware that wardens are now patrolling the area and we won't hesitate to fine anyone we see dropping litter.
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