RESIDENTS are being warned they could face a fine for dropping litter as part of a council initiative.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Hertsmere Borough Council staff are cleaning up the streets by carrying out litter patrols as part of the Take Pride in Hertsmere project.

The first of these took place in May and there are more area inspections planned across the borough at various times this year.

As part of the patrols, PCSOs are this week talking to people about using bins provided as well as issuing fines to those not using facilities that are available.

So far there have been ten litter enforcement fines issued since the start of February.

This includes four in Borehamwood, three in Potters Bar, and one each in Radlett, Bushey and South Mimms.

Each person caught dropping rubbish or has litter traced back to them is fined £75, to be paid within 14 days. The fine reduces to £50 if it is paid within 10 days.

Councillor Jean Heywood (Conservative), the council’s environment portfolio holder, said: "The litter patrols will help to increase awareness among residents that littering is not acceptable in the borough.

“People seen dropping rubbish will usually be asked to pick it up, and if they refuse will be given a fixed penalty notice. People should take pride in the area, and not drop waste they can’t be bothered to either put in the bin or recycle."