Offenders could be photographed for evidence

Offenders could have a �50 fine imposed on them by the wardens, who were taking to the streets of Salford on Friday.

Salford City Council has begun the initiative - the first of its kind in the county - to reduce the 15,000 tonnes of litter dropped on the area's streets each year.

Wardens could also take photographs of offenders, for evidence purposes, as well as potentially following offenders home to check they gave the correct address.

'Economic sense'

Maureen Lea, of the council's environment services and youth department, said funding the scheme will have little impact on taxpayers.

She told BBC GMR: "In fact the rewards will accrue with council taxpayer is because we will have less litter to collect on the street.

"Collecting it is currently costing us tens of thousands of pounds.

"15,000 tonnes of litter per year are dumped on our streets - when that's reduced, it would make economic sense."