Calderdale Council says people want cleaner town centres

The operation has already caught out around 50 smokers and Calderdale Council has heralded the operation a success.

Anyone dropping litter has the choice of paying an on-the-spot fine of �50 or challenging the fixed penalty notice in court.

Environmental health officers have issued 87 fixed penalty notices since the get-tough policy was introduced with more than half of those issued to people who dropped cigarette butts.

So far, 90% of the people issued with the tickets have agreed to pay the fine.

It is a major problem and one that needs to be tackled Councillor Graham Reason

One of those caught out by the inspectors was Sian Foster, 20, who was smoking on her lunch break when she was collared.

She said: "I'd just dropped my cigarette on the pavement when this bloke with a clipboard pounced and said it was a fine.

"I thought he was joking at first and I offered to pick it up, but he said it was too late."

Councillor Graham Reason, said: "In surveys, the public of Calderdale have said they want cleaner streets, particularly in their town centres.

"Time and time again we see people dropping cigarette butts in the street.

"It is a major problem and one that needs to be tackled."