LITTERBUGS in York were warned today that they will soon be facing £50 on-the-spot fines.

City of York Council is introducing fixed penalty fines next month as it steps up its drive to reduce litter and improve street cleanliness.

It said the robust enforcement action, to be carried out by the council's street enforcement officers, was part of the York Pride and York Business Pride initiatives, which have received more than £100,000 in support from York's business community.

A spokeswoman said verbal warnings will be given from April 5 as a signal of intent, with fines imposed from April 19. But before that there would be a citywide publicity campaign, including adverts on buses, in cinemas and in newspapers.

Zoe Burns, head of street environment service, said: "We have to change the attitude of persistent offenders and the £50 on-the-spot fixed penalties will be a clear signal of our determination to do just that.

"We want to deliver a cleaner and more pleasant environment in York, where we can all enjoy our city without unsightly litter such as cigarette packets, chewing gum and crisp wrappers blotting the street."

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, March 11, 2004