Just one fine has been issued for feeding birds in public - and none for spitting - since both acts were outlawed by Hounslow Council earlier this year.

The solitary fine for feeding birds was doled out in the Hounslow Central ward in February - the month before the council announced it was issuing fines for such offences.

The figures were revealed in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by getwestlondon.

The council said it was looking to step up enforcement as well as launching a "civic pride" campaign to encourage people to keep their neighbourhoods clean.

The spitting ban was widely supported by the public, with more than 5,000 people across the borough signing a petition for its introduction.

But the ban on feeding birds in public - aimed at preventing the proliferation of pigeons - proved more controversial.

While many welcomed the measure, some critics claimed it was draconian and meant children could no longer enjoy the simple pleasure of feeding ducks.

Anyone caught spitting or feeding birds in the borough is liable for an £80 on-the-spot fine, but the bans have proved difficult to enforce.

Councillor Richard Foote, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "The council is reviewing its approach towards enforcement in the borough in order to create a new, better joined up team that can respond to issues that residents say affect their quality of life.

"Residents told us that bird feeding and spitting is something we should be taking action against. We have listened and have instructed staff to issue fines where we catch people in the act, in the same way we do for littering or fly tipping.

"Spitting is particularly difficult to enforce against as it needs to be witnessed by an officer – the chances of someone spitting in front of a uniformed officer are slim to none. The new team will allow us to investigate known problem areas so we can tackle spitting, as well bird feeding.

"Tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour is a priority for us. When the new team is launched later this year we expect a heightened level of enforcement, coupled with a civic pride campaign, which will, in time, lead to fewer instances of anti-social behaviour and a better borough for us all."