OFFICERS will be patrolling streets in Old Trafford and Stretford to crack down on people who dump waste and litter.

Trafford Council is taking a tougher stand against environmental crime by increasing its capacity to issue fines for people who litter or illegally dump their waste.

From January 8, officers from Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Service will carry out street patrols and will issue on-the-spot £80 fines to people caught dropping litter – including cigarette butts and chewing gum.

A key focus will also be to target fly-tippers who will be fined £200 or prosecuted.

Trafford Council said they spend substantial sums money cleaning up after those who refuse to be responsible - money that could be spent on other environmental priorities.

This 12-month pilot scheme is being introduced following conversations with community groups, residents and businesses that are fed up with people who dump waste and litter irresponsibly.

The scheme will be self-financing with the costs of enforcement being met from the income from the fines. Any additional money generated from the fines will be ring-fenced and invested in similar environmental schemes.

The Council is also asking visitors and residents to do their bit by reporting any incidents of waste being dumped. Descriptions of people, and any vehicle registrations, should be emailed to access.trafford@trafford.gov.uk.

Cllr John Reilly, executive member for highways, parks and the environment, said: “The Council is passionate about ensuring our local neighbourhoods are clean and attractive places to live in. However, we still face problems with more and more rubbish being dumped in alleyways and litter being dropped. This is something we have never tolerated and will take even tougher action to show we are serious about tacking this issue.

"We have listened to our communities, and we have decided to take even tougher action; you’re fed up, we’re fed up. We’re asking everyone for their support, so that together we can make where you live a place to be really proud of.”

The council will also continue to promote its #BeResponsible campaign working to educate local people and tackle the cause for concern and help to ensure rubbish isn’t thrown in the first place.

Liz Madge, from Love Old Trafford community group who work to reduce litter and making Old Trafford a better and safer place to live, said: “Love Old Trafford welcomes this new initiative. We believe there needs to be a mixture of education and enforcement to help make Old Trafford a cleaner, greener and nicer place to live.”

The Council will be involving, and working with, community groups to monitor the impact of the scheme. If successful, it could be extended to other parts of the borough.

Kingdom officers will wear Trafford Council uniforms and carry body cameras while on patrols, and will identify themselves to the public.