People caught publicly urinating and defecating in Shepherd’s Bush could be given £100 fines in a new crack-down by police.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council is consulting on whether to introduce the new power after 42 calls were made to police involving urination and defecation issues in the Shepherd’s Bush Green ward between July and December last year.

Under a Public Spaces Protection Order, police and council officers would be able to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100 or prosecute those caught urinating or defecating in public.

Wesley Harcourt, the council’s environment boss, said: “People using public spaces as toilets is completely unacceptable and has been a problem in this ward for some time.

"This new power would allow officers to enforce this effectively, for the benefit of the community, but we’d love to hear whether residents feel it is the right thing to do.”

The 42 reported incidents in five months happened despite there being two paid-for public loos in the area - one between Westfield and Shepherd’s Bush tube station and the other outside the Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush hotel.

Let the council know whether you think the powers should be implemented by calling 0208 753 4275 or e-mailing csu@lbhf.gov.uk by March 20.