The battle against litter louts has taken a step forward in Hounslow with more than 50 on-the-spot fines issued so far this month.

In the first two weeks of December, the council's enforcement teams and Hounslow Highways handed out 51 fines and 401 warning letters to businesses and residents putting out rubbish for collection on the wrong days.

The borough's war on grime crime will continue in the new year as Hounslow council vow to stamp out litterbugs.

Councillor Amrit Mann, deputy leader of Hounslow council and cabinet member for environment, said: “As part of our drive to make Hounslow one the cleanest boroughs in the capital, we decided to intensify our war on grime crime.

“I am confident this surge in fines will reap dividends with cleaner streets across the borough. I warn anyone now that this crackdown is not just for Christmas; it will continue relentlessly."

Last month police and Hounslow highways officers joined forces to tackle grime in the borough.

Hounslow Highways service director Rob Gillespie, added: “We are proud to be making a difference. We will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers to stop these litter louts from making a mess of the borough’s streets."