CIGARETTE butt patrol officers hit the streets for the first time yesterday with those caught facing a possible £2,500 fine.

Basildon District Council’s latest anti-litter ruse saw environmental health officers on the look-out for smokers dropping cigarette butts.

Those caught face a £75 fine, which can be appealed within 14 days, but those who ignore the penalty notice face prosecution and a maximum £2,500 fine. The officers were targeting five “hotspots”; Basildon, Billericay and Wickford town centre’s, Felmores shops and Basildon Hospital.

Terri Sargent, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Residents want to live in a clean and pleasant environment and don’t want to see it blighted by cigarette ends.

“We hope the risk of a fine will deter people from dropping rubbish.”