PLANS to hit Worcester litter louts with on-the-spot fines have moved a stage closer.

Councillors have said they will look into how the idea can be developed, with implementation possibly coming next April.

A series of proposals were drawn up as to how the city centre could be kept cleaner, including an education campaign and putting a councillor on the late night economy panel - a group formed by businesses - as well as the fines.

The more easily-tackled suggestions could be implemented by the end of the year, although the fines plan is likely to be held until next year's budget is set.

"I don't think in principle, we have anything to argue vehemently with," said council leader, Coun Stephen Inman.

"What we need to do is ask our senior managers to look at this and identify any financial, legal and policy implications that arise from the recommendations."

Coun Sue Askin, chairman of the backbench group behind the report into litter, appealed to the cabinet to intoduce the litter enforcement crackdown.

"I really feel that other authorities issue fixed penalty notices and it is time Worcester did this," she said. "Not just during the day - there should be some attempt to address the problem of the immense amount of litter dropped in the city centre at night."

The council will look into whether community support officers can be given the powers to prosecute litter-droppers or whether it will have to hire extra staff.

Fines could also be handed out to pet owners who let their dogs foul pavements, graffiti artists and flytippers.