GWYNEDD Council is to hire a private company to fine litter bugs and irresponsible dog owners.

The fines will also increase from 1 January with the penalty for littering rising from £75 to £100, or from £50 to £75 if paid within 10 days.

This action is intended to send a clear message to those who continue to flout the law.

Gwynedd will also be working with private enforcement company, Kingdom, on a 12-month trial to fine people who litter public places or who refuse to clean up after their pets.

In other north Wales councils where Kingdoom already operate, such as Conwy, the firm has been criticised for being overzealous in handing out fines for minor offences but Gwynedd Council has no such concerns.

Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for highways and municipal matters, Cllr Gareth Griffith said: “As dog fouling and littering offences cause considerable distress within the community, I welcome the increased levels of fines.

“This demonstrates that the council is listening to local concerns and taking a tough stance against the small minority who commit these anti-social offences.

“As the new fines will be launched in January, I would advise litterers and inconsiderate dog owners to make it their New Year’s resolution to help keep Gwynedd tidy."

From 1 January, the penalty for littering will rise from £75 to £100, or from £50 to £75 if paid within 10 days.

Read the full story in this Thursday’s north editions of the Cambrian News