On-the-spot litter fines are working well in helping to clean up the streets in Leicester and Darlington.

So why shouldn't they work in Brighton and Hove where the problem appears to be even worse?

The sheer scale of litter in the city has proved a major headache in the past week after thousands of visitors descended on the beach leaving tonnes of litter behind them.

A litter enforcement team has been appointed to tackle the problem, also targeting restaurant owners and other traders who generate their fair share of rubbish.

Scores of fixed penalty fines have been dished out to householders too. But many argue this is not enough and more hardhitting action is needed to sweep the streets clean.

This would mean cracking down on individuals who drop smaller items, such as sweet wrappers and fast food cartons.

Too many still discard cigarette ends or chewing gum without stopping to think they make the city look dirty and dingy.

Instant fines could be another weapon in the ceaseless fight by the city against litterbugs.