CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is asking Northwich and Winsford residents to play their part in keeping the borough litter free.

National charity, Keep Britain Tidy, estimates that litter costs councils across the country a total of £1 billion to clear every year.

Fully trained council officers have powers to issue a £75 fixed penalty notice for littering.

Clr Lynn Riley said: “Littering is not only anti-social and unpleasant, it is illegal. In the run up to Christmas don’t put yourself in the position of having to pay a littering fine. Money doesn’t go far enough at this time of year and we’d all much rather spend our hard earned cash on festivities, not fines.

“We can all do our bit to save the planet by recycling our tree, cards, and wrapping paper once the festivities are over, but don’t forget that a carelessly dropped cigarette end or food wrapper could result in even more expense this Christmas.”

“Let’s keep Cheshire West tidy – somewhere we can all be proud to live.”