 The ashtrays were designed to stop bush fires |
A local authority is offering free ashtrays as new way to stop smokers flicking their "dog ends" on the pavement. Gedling Borough Council, in Nottinghamshire is offering free ashtrays on the streets of Arnold.
Rubbish left by smokers accounts for almost half Arnold's street litter.
But critics of the scheme say the taxpayers' money would be better spent helping people quit smoking rather than just cleaning up after them.
Cleaning costs
Originally designed in Australia to prevent bush fires, the ashtrays are made form heat resistant plastic and have a sealable lid.
It is estimated people in the Gedling area smoke 100,000 cigarettes a day.
The ashtrays cost the council around �1 each, but are being given away.
The council denies the idea is a waste of money.
A Gedling council spokesman said : "They demonstrate a commitment from the council to a long term initiative to reduce the amount of street litter.
"Yes, they have cost us a little money, but in the long term if we reduce the amount of litter on the street it hopefully will reduce the amount we have to spend clearing the street."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
