Warning to litter louts after five fined £2,000

WARRINGTON’S public protection chief has issued a warning to litter louts in the wake of court hearings in which five people were handed fines and costs totalling more than £2,000 for dropping litter in the streets.
Peter Astley (pictured), the borough council’s assistant director of regulation and public protection said: “We keep trying to get the message across that littering is unacceptable and if caught there will be a fine to pay.
“It is unfair that taxpayers have to keep forking out every year
because a selfish, thoughtless few don’t use the bins provided.
“There was a fire just last week in Golden Square Shopping Centre believed to be caused by a discarded cigarette.
“Two fire crews attended and luckily the fire was put out by a sprinkler system. No one was hurt but who knows next time it might not have such a happy outcome.”
The five individuals fined for dropping litter were prosecuted by  the council for dropping litter including cigarette ends and a take away drinks carton.
Environmental crime officers issued fixed penalty notices to each of them which they then failed to pay despite warning letters being issued. As a result they were prosecuted and fined at Warrington Magistrates Court.
They were: Stephen Hughes, 54, of Heather Close, Birchwood threw his cigarette end in Horsemarket Street. Fined in his absence £150 and costs of £300.
Helen Higham, 37, of Morris Avenue, Westy dropped a cigarette butt in Farrell Street. Fined in her absence £75, costs £300.
Kevin McCarthy, 41, of Culbin Close, Risley discarded a cigarette end in Winwick Street. Fined in his absence £150, costs £300.
Kelvin Buckley, 21, of Massey Avenue, Lymm dropped a lit cigarette on  Horsemarket Street. Fined in his absence £150, costs £300.
Daniel Marsh of Wayfarers Drive, Newton-Le-Willows was prosecuted for dropping a drinks carton on the A49 Newton Road. He attended court and was fined £75 with costs of £300.
The five were prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 87 – littering.