I RECENTLY heard that one of our litter wardens gave an on-the-spot fine of £50 to a visitor to York for dropping a cigarette butt in the street.

However, walking into York early on Friday morning I saw hundreds, possibly thousands, of cigarette butts in the streets.

It must be that smokers, harried by the shameless national campaign against them, are coming into York at night and having a furtive puff down side streets.

As City of York Council appears to be serious about keeping York tidy, shouldn't its litter wardens be employed on a 24-hour basis?

Jeremy D Fox, Malton Avenue, York.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "The council is working hard to keep the city clean. Unfortunately some people, whether residents or visitors, do not respect the local environment and drop litter, including cigarette butts.

"Issuing fixed penalty notices to those who are caught dropping litter is part of the work the council undertakes to deal with litter.

"The majority of the fixed-penalty notices issued have been to those who live in York but, regardless of who drops the litter, the council's Neighbourhood Services team has to clean it up.

"Street Environment officers carry out patrols in the hot spots in the city but, unfortunately, resources are such that it is not possible to have patrols 24 hours a day.

"However, residents can register problems in particular areas or hotspots by telephoning 01904 551551 or emailing YPAL@york.gov.uk"