TWENTY-FIVE people have been fined as a result of the crackdown on litterbugs by Fenland District Council.

The �75 fixed penalty notices were handed out during 12 enforcement days that have taken place across the district recently as part of the “Tidy Fenland” anti-litter campaign.

Most of the offenders paid up promptly but one woman had to be taken to court after attempts by the council to chase her payment had failed.

She pleaded guilty to littering and was ordered to pay the �75 penalty plus a victim surcharge of �15.

The fines have to be paid within a month of being issued and anyone who refuses to pay faces the risk of prosecution.

The campaign is part of a wider “It’s your Fenland – be part of it” initiative which seeks to encourage the whole community to get involved in looking after their environment.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “The message that everyone should take a pride in their environment has been very well received.

“Our enforcement officers have been congratulated by members of the public who have approached them to say they are pleased action is being taken against the thoughtless minority who spoil our towns and open spaces by littering.

“Most people support us and indeed there are hundreds of volunteers across the area improving Fenland through activities such as Street Pride and In Bloom. Unfortunately, there are still a few people who are still ignoring our clear message to change their behaviour. We need to continue to tackle them.

“The cleansing of Fenland costs us all �1,000 per day - money that we would much rather be able to spend elsewhere. That’s why we’re asking everyone to help us by taking some responsibility themselves.”

The campaign is also proving successful in encouraging businesses to play their part. So far, 153 businesses have signed up to a voluntary code of practice demonstrating their commitment to reduce waste generated from their premises.