LITTERBUGS face £75 on-the-spot fines as part of a clampdown designed to help clean up a Hampshire town centre.

Fareham Borough Council is introducing mobile litter hot spot warning signs in West Street, reminding people that dropping rubbish is an offence that carries a possible fine.

The authority’s enforcement officers have handed out penalties to 79 people in the last year.

Executive Member for Public Protection, Cllr Arthur Mandry, said: “Educating people about the offence of dropping litter and that those who do will be fined is an important part of the enforcement process.

“We would prefer the absence of litter and are hopeful that these signs will act as a deterrent and that the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued will be reduced.”

The signs will initially be placed near the podium and Argos, but can be moved around the town centre.