LITTER louts are being targeted in a series of town-wide swoops.

Schoolchildren found themselves the focus of attention when Middlesbrough Council wardens descended on two shopping areas near the Acklam campus.

School children are already banned from a convenience store at the Coniston Grove shops unless they are accompanied by an adult.

A notice displayed on the door reads: "In view of a certain minority of troublemakers, all schoolchildren are banned from this store during the hours of 8am to 4.30pm, unless accompanied by an adult."

Chewing gum covers the pavement outside the store, as well as the remains of lunchtime snacks. Middlesbrough Council street cleaners clean the pavements at the shops every lunchtime.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for law and order on Middlesbrough Council, said: "Wardens will be going into schools to seek their co-operation."

People using the precincts were reminded yesterday that the penalty for dropping litter or letting their dog foul the pavement can be a £50 on-the-spot fine.

Middlesbrough Council said yesterday's exercise was to let local people and schoolchildren know that the council has powers to combat litter and anti-social behaviour and will not hesitate to use them.

Areas will be chosen for special attention from information collected on its active intelligence mapping data base. The system, unveiled by Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon in October, identifies area where resources are needed.

Councillor Ron Lowes, executive member with responsibility for environmental issues, said: "We are trying to change people's behaviour, to get them to keep rubbish or chewing gum in their pocket until they find a litter bin to put it in."

Traders across the town are also being warned about putting out business waste as household refuse to avoid council charges.