LITTERBUGS are being warned that they could face a four-figure fine and a criminal record for dropping litter, chewing gum or cigarette butts on the streets of the borough.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) has said it is cracking down on litter droppers and is asking residents to join its campaign to keep their neighbourhoods litter-free.

Those who drop litter are liable to be hit on the spot with a £75 fixed penalty notice, or they could receive a fin e of up to £2,500 and a criminal record if they go on to be prosecuted for the offence.

Residents are asked to report anybody spotted dropping any litter – no matter how small – to help keep the borough’s green spaces and streets looking pleasant and a nice place in which to live, work and play.

Cllr Hayley Eachus, cabinet member for the environment and regulatory services, said: “Dropping rubbish is unacceptable behaviour and anybody caught dropping litter in the borough faces prosecution.

“So if yo u see someone throwing litter out of a car window, a cigarette butt on the floor in the street, discarding a food wrapper in the park or tossing a drinks can in a bush – please report it to us.

“By alerting the council to littering offences , our community safety patrol teams and environmental health team can focus their attention on wiping out the litter bugs.”

The borough council has warned of the dangers of litter, which can attract rats and even cause fires, pointing out that it spoils the area for everyone else.

BDBC also sought to remind residents that it costs the council tax payers money to clean up the rubbish left behind.

The authority has added that there are 2,500 litter bins provided in the borough so litter should be dropped in them or taken home.

Litter dropping can be reported to the council online at basingstoke.gov.uk/report. People can also call the council on 01256 844844.