Litterbugs better watch out as uniformed patrol officers are out and about in Brent and will be issuing £80 on-the-spot fines to culprits.

Private security firm Kingdom is running a 12 month pilot to help keep the borough’s streets litter-free on behalf of Brent Council as part of its Love Where You Live campaign.

The project will see dedicated patrol officers deployed to hot spot areas in the borough with the sole purpose of issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to anyone caught littering, paan spitting, not cleaning up after their dogs, dropping cigarette butts and similar offences.

The council has been working with Veolia, its waste and recycling contractor, councillors and residents, to identify particular areas for enforcement activity, known for littering and dog fouling.

Renu Kaul, vice-chairman of Sudbury Town Residents Association (STRA), praised the scheme. He said: “I am over the moon to learn that Brent Council has appointed patrol officers to enforce action amongst litter offenders. I believe that this will make a dramatic difference in Sudbury and the rest of Brent.

“We need to continue to advocate a zero tolerance policy to littering, dog fouling and paan spitting and I really feel that the presence of enforcement officers will send out a positive message to the community that we need to take responsibility for disposing of litter and recycling properly.”

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Brent Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “More and more residents are working with us to keep the borough clean by reporting illegally dumped rubbish via the Cleaner Brent app and organising their own clean up days. So it’s really frustrating that there are still a minority of people whose actions are spoiling Brent for the rest of us.

“We’re determined to take action against this anti-social behaviour. I hope that the possibility of getting a fine will make people think twice before dropping litter or allowing dogs to foul our pavements.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone in Brent to get rid of their waste legally, to recycle more and take greater care and pride in the local area. This pilot scheme sends a clear message that choosing to drop chewing gum or flicking a cigarette butt instead of disposing of it properly will have very real consequences.”