WYRE Forest students could be ordered to pay £50 fines if they are caught dropping litter.

Kidderminster College has warned litterbugs about the potential penalties after receiving complaints from members of the public.

Signs have been placed outside the Market Street campus and cigarette bins have been installed.

Students are also being warned that pictures of the litter will be taken to try and shame people into using the bins provided.

Councillor Marcus Hart, the Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for commercial services, welcomed the college's tough stance.

He said: "Wyre Forest District Council is working with businesses in the area where there is a problem with litter and this includes Kidderminster College. The college has responded well and fewer food wrappers and cigarette ends are being dropped in that area."

Council bosses have also warned that fines will be issued to motorists who throw rubbish out of their windows.

The clampdown is part of the Pride in Your Area campaign that is intended to reduce the amount of litter in the district.

The council currently spends £666,000 a year on cleaning litter and rubbish from footpaths and roads.

Mr Hart has issued a warning to all potential offenders that action is being taken.

He said: "We're not just targeting students. We're cracking down on anyone found dropping litter in the street or from their cars and enforcement officers can issue on-the-spot fines of £50."

The Government is also considering giving local authorities the right to charge people who drop chewing gum in the street. A fine of £75 could be issued under proposals of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.