We all know the importance of good parenting but this is a short term measure designed to have a quick impact on peoples habits - changing parenting culture is asking to change lots of things in Society and that is a challenge. I remember a friend of mine getting picked up from my house back in the Mid 80's, his Mum dropped about 5 or 6 empty cigarette boxes onto our street and the contents of the ashtray as well. Its nothing new. At the Parkside fun day (or whatever it was called) there used to be a competition to see which kid could collect the most litter, i remember the prize being a Michael Jackson poster! That didnt seem much of an incentive so maybe a stick rather than a carrot is the way ahead.

   s.c. it does seem that kids grow up quicker these days but i think thats because so many of them are raising themselves and have too much freedom. they are missing the rudiments of social concience, caused mainly by poor parenting, therefore it makes sense to hold the parents accountable.

   Tomo is right, the issue is much wider than simply punishment, there has to be a long term plan to improve behaviour.

Education and promotion are key to this issue and it is clearly a Council role, yet they are passive or, at best, reactive and they have no imagination. How about involving local businesses, how about 'adopt-a-highway', how about supporting community-minded citizens to launch their own clean-up schemes? None of this happens because the Council Waste Service (funded by us and accountable to us) is in crisis and not fit for purpose.

   I totally agree with Councillor Roger West`s views on litter louts. Some people, especially Liberty ( who only appear to encourage loutish behaviour and seemingly only support all law breakers ) will always give a dozen bleating reasons why such deterrents will not work, but never propose any alternative. What a pity it will take them `ages` to pay off their £40 fines. Perhaps it will give them time to consider their actions and who picks up their rubbish ! And if their families cannot afford to pay, they should remind their offsprings not to drop litter in the first place......it`s called discipline ! Claiming to be `poor` is no excuse. Remind me again, when did parents stop taking responsibility for the actions of their kids, whether out of your view or not ?

   I'm sorry Lesley but we are always being told kids grow up quicker these days. Responsibilty comes with that. Paying these fines is just the start as far as i am concerned.

   Maxonian, believe me my customers are no angels, however I do provide bins and ashtrays in my establishment for them to dispose of their refuse. It is the pesky kids that hang around the Newsagent next door, the owner just turns a blind eye

   well, someone needs to be held accountable but maybe it should be the parents. children live what they learn, they follow the example that is set for them. the fine should be higher but levied at the parents.

   Why not just teach kids not to drop litter in the first place, or is that a massively outdated idea that only worked in the 1970s?

   Maxonian, 2 things;

what does contiute(sic) mean? Do you right this after a day at a local hostelry?

Secondly, why do you follow dustbin wagons around?

Still, at least we know what you are doing when you arent on line, babbling your usual stream of inanities.

   At last, a council proposal that will improve this town. I spend most of my morning cleaning the litter from outside my Public House and it drives me crazy. My customers don't want to walk through a mountain of crisp packets, takeaway wrappers, cigarette butts and chewing gum to enjoy a drink and I don't want to be the one that picks up after 'these litter louts' anymore!

   for all of those that hate litter, go to this website: www.litteraction.org.uk

   If you do not agree with this then visit west park one afternoon and look at the mess left by groups of people aged between 10 and 50, its shocking, particulairly when there is usually a bin within 10 feet of them, I welcome this but also beleive that it will be difficult to enforce, getting real names and addresses out of groups of 16 years olds, rather you than me mate.

   I fully agree with the policy. Litterbugs are either lazy, contemptuous of society or usually both.

Kids aged 10 shouldnt drop litter, if they do, they should get fined, there is no excuse.