FLY tippers who have been littering the alleyways and back lanes of Darlington have been fined by uniformed wardens.

In the last two months, Darlington Borough Council's wardens have issued £50 fines to 125 people caught dumping rubbish.

The fines are part of the on-going council campaign on litter. The campaign is targeting people who drop litter in the street as well as more organised fly-tippers who get rid of large amounts of rubbish from their homes.

Launched last year, the campaign is also asking businesses to sign a charter pledging to keep their premises clean and to provide bins for shoppers.

Paul Baldwin, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "The vast majority of people have taken notice of the council's anti-litter campaign and are playing their part in reducing littering.

"A small number of residents however, still seem to think it is ok to throw their litter out on to the streets of our town and this is simply not acceptable."

People who fail to pay on-the-spot fines for dropping litter will be summonsed to appear at court. At least 30 people are facing court action for not paying their fines within the 14 day deadline.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "The uniformed wardens will continue to work with the environmental response team to catch, fine and name and shame litter offenders."

Anyone who thinks an area of the town needs be cleared up and patrolled by the wardens can call the litter hotline on (01325) 388777.