Southwark calls time on litter bugs

In their first appearance on Borough High Street the giant litter hoped to spread the word on the importance of using a bin.

The stunt was also intended to highlight included the problems associated with littering, such as encouraging vermin, and the fact that anyone caught dropping litter can be fined £50.

"These interactive appearances are our latest tool in the fight against litter and in our commitment to a cleaner and greener Southwark," said Cllr Richard Thomas, Southwark's executive member for environment and transport.

"Littering is no laughing matter. Dropping litter is anti-social, irresponsible and can result in a £50 fine. Litter on the streets also affects the way that people feel about the area they live in. So litter bugs, beware – use a bin or risk a fine."

Justin Jupp, regional director of Keep Britain Tidy, added: "People who have to trudge through chucked crisp packets, dropped drinks cans and half eaten bits of food face the misery of dirty streets on a daily basis. It's great that litterers in Southwark will get a taste of their own medicine on a giant scale as they find themselves faced with massive bits of litter."

The six different giant litter costumes represent the most common types of litter dropped in Southwark, and they will make eight appearances in total around the borough this year.

These will be followed by targeted enforcement action in each area against those who persist in dropping litter.