Dropped cigarette end in Nelson town centre costs woman (55) £260

Christine Ellis (55), of Pine Street, failed to attend Reedley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. But the case was proved in her absence and the court imposed a fine of £175 plus £70 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

On December 21st, 2010, a Pendle Council Environmental Crime Officer saw Ellis drop her cigarette end on the floor outside a shop in Scotland Road.

He approached Ellis and she gave him her details.

She was later issued with a fixed penalty notice – carrying a fine of £75 – for dropping cigarette litter.

But she did not pay this and, as a result, was taken to court.

Coun. James Starkie, Executive Member for Waste, said: “Cigarette ends are classed as litter and should always be disposed of properly.

“Just like with other forms of litter, it is an offence to throw them on the ground.

“Ms Ellis’s prosecution is our second in two months for cigarette litter in Nelson town centre.

“I think this sends a clear message that littering of any type will not be tolerated in Pendle.

“This prosecution should serve as a warning to anyone that they can face a hefty fine, all for failing to do the decent thing and put their rubbish in the appropriate bin.”

To report anyone who you see dropping litter – including cigarette butts - call the council’s contact centre on 661743.

Alternatively, you can fill in a form on the council’s website at www.pendle.gov.uk/forms.