Cigarettes and Tobacco News

Dec 8, 2007 -- Dozens of people were caught littering Norwich's streets with cigarette butts during a week-long bid to encourage people to take more pride in their city.

A council officer and two Police Community Support Officers spent five days in the city centre as part of a bid to educate people who don't realise that dumping cigarettes is a crime and could lead to a fine.

During the week more than 30 people were stopped and one of them issued an on-the-spot fine.

Norwich City Council's environmental protection officer Emily Capps said the Castle Gardens, the area around the Guildhall and Pottergate were amongst the worst areas for the problem.

"People just don't seem to realise cigarette buts are litter," she said.

"It's a real pain for us too as they are one of the most difficult things to pick up.

"When you're out and about and talking to people you realise education works and they are using the portable ash trays and dropping fewer cigarettes."

The city council was recently given greater powers to clamp-down on nuisance crimes such as littering.

So far the fixed penalties have been used sparingly with bosses saying they would rather try and educate people first.

PSCO Stuart McKechnie, who was involved in the latest litter drive, said: "Norwich is a big tourist destination and a big shopping area and a lot of people come here from other parts of the county so it's important for it to be clean.

"Educating people is the best way, I believe, in getting across that littering is wrong. Giving out a fine would be a last resort."

Miss Capps added: "I don't think litter in Norwich is as bad as some cities but it's important we keep it clean and tidy."