Police in Colwyn Bay to target smokers who litter

Oct 8 2009 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

POLICE say they will fine those they catch throwing cigarette butts on the ground after complaints that a high street is being left covered in litter.

Weekend drinkers in Colwyn Bay who smoke outside pubs in the town centre are throwing cigarette ends on the ground without picking up after themselves.

In recent weeks two smokers have been fined £70 for dropping butts, and Cllr Chris Perry has demanded that police take action.

Speaking at a town council meeting at the town hall on Rhiw Road on Monday, Cllr Perry questioned Insp Essi Ahari, who was addressing councillors as part of his annual update.

“I noticed in the paper a couple of weeks ago that the police had prosecuted two people who dropped cigarette ends,” said Cllr Perry.

“On a Saturday and Sunday morning you wouldn’t believe the state of Station Road, it is disgusting.

“Do North Wales Police see people stamping out a cigarette and walk away? Surely officers could do something about it?”

Insp Ahari promised police would take a serious line with those caught littering.

“I think it is important to stamp out people dropping cigarettes, so if it takes fining people, we will do it.”

Cllr Perry interjected: “It would be a nice little earner!”

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Perry said he hoped North Wales Police would actively prosecute those caught littering the streets.

“The police should get down there and enforce it,” he said.

“It’s all right having environmental clean-up days, it’s a good use of police time, in fact they are getting out on the ground meeting people.

“But these fag ends are a problem. When smokers come out of the pubs they are just throwing them on the floor.

“The police need to catch people doing it and prosecute them.”