A MAN has been fined £75 for dropping takeaway wrappers and empty beer bottles in a West Devon car park.

The 23-year-old from Horrabridge was given a fixed penalty notice by West Devon Borough Council last month.

A street scene officer from the council was able to trace the offender from evidence found among the litter.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the borough council's community services chairman, said: "This shows that the council will not tolerate littering in our beautiful borough.

'It is not always possible to trace offenders but where evidence is found, fines will be issued.

'I hope this will act as a deterrent and reinforce the message that littering is not acceptable.'

The borough council has powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 to issue fines or even take court action, if necessary.

Littering offences also apply to people who throw down cigarette butts or drop chewing gum.

For more information about fines for littering visit the borough's website at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk or call 01822 813600.