PEOPLE in Tenbury who smoke or chew gum and throw away the remains are being targeted by the town's team of street wardens and they could be liable for an on-the-spot fine of £75 - just £5 less than an instant police fine for abusive behaviour, drunkenness and other anti-social behaviour.

The street scene wardens are also after those who throw out larger items like settees, supermarket trolleys and old types. They, too, could be captured on CCTV cameras carried by the wardens.

Gordon Morris, street scene manager for Malvern Hills District Council is promising a blitz on all types of rubbish dumping.

"We've put some new litter bins, about a dozen in all, at various sites throughout the town centre. They are made of stainless steel are very discreet and are for cigarette butts and gum. In the next month we are going to mount a big campaign against people who just throw these things on the street. They will be asked to put them in the bin and if they refuse, we will fine them £75.

"We have also bought three wire-less body cameras to help us catch fly-tippers. There are certain areas where stuff gets dumped - one of them being in Wyre Brook - because it's nice and quiet down there."

The new cameras record sound and pictures and will also be used to deal with anti-social behaviour. Anything said or done can be filmed and is admissable as evidence in court, added Mr Morris.

Tenbury's new Mayor, Coun Phil Grove, is unhappy about the level of the fine, but welcomed the use of new technology in the general war on litter and crime.

"I think the fine is severe and I hope the wardens use plenty of common sense so that these measures do not antagonise people unnecessarily. However, I do understand the problem with chewing gum."

On fly-tipping Coun Grove said he felt this was a problem more relevant in the countryside and welcomed the new moves.

"You can see half a load of logs dumped in a lay-by. If using the new cameras brings a conviction, then I'm all for it, " he added.

Town councillor Janice Gluyas, who headed the Tenbury in Bloom campaign to tidy up the town, also welcomed the new measures.

"Chewing gum is a disgusting habit and it costs a lot of money to clean it up. We now have the dispensers on site and there's no excuse not to use them. I hope the new cameras will be used against inconsiderate dog owners too. It would help keep our streets clean if they could do a spot check on those who allow their dogs to foul our footpaths," she added.