Rising complaints about rubbish have prompted the get tough policy

The county council is following the lead taken by neighbouring authorities Swansea and Neath Port Talbot in taking people to court who illegally dump rubbish.

Magistrates in Port Talbot have handed out penalties as high �4,000 and 200 hours community service for people caught fly-tipping.

The number of complaints made by residents in Carmarthenshire about litter in parks and streets has risen.

In 2001/02 council officers received 1,289 complaints and that figure is set to rise to 1,500 by the end of the current financial year - an increase of 16%.

Now council officers have warned they will start prosecuting those found dumping rubbish.

We live in a beautiful part of the country and it is up to all of us to look after it Pam Palmer

At the same time, every school, youth club, community group and organisation is being invited to join a week-long clean-up of the county to raise awareness of the get tough policy.

Anyone can join in the Clean Up Carmarthenshire campaign which will run from 10-17 May.

It is being supported by the McDonald's fast food chain and everyone who takes part will be given a free meal for their efforts.

Environment executive board member Pam Palmer said: "We need the help of everyone to make this campaign a success.

"It is aimed not only at cleaning up the county but also at raising awareness of the need to dispose of litter wisely and take care of the environment.

"We live in a beautiful part of the country and it is up to all of us to look after it."

Pam Palmer and Ron Mounsey of MacDonald's promote the campaign

Neath and Port Talbot Borough Council began prosecutions two years ago and has taken 39 cases to court, 22 of them last year.

In 2002 it received 1,290 calls from residents about the problem.

Cabinet member for environmental health David Lewis said: "We are committed to stamping out fly-tipping and intend to come down hard on offenders.

"There is no excuse for fly-tipping."

Council officers in Swansea began taking legal action over fly-tipping in May last year.