PARKING officers at Kennet District Council are to have their powers extended to enable them to issue fixed penalty notices to people who drop litter.

Councillors agreed to the request from the council's environment and amenity services manager, Mark Smith.

A fixed penalty notice would cost £50 and the income raised would be kept by the council.

Mr Smith told the Gazette that the intention was to take a pro-active stance on making the environment in Kennet cleaner. He said: "This is not about generating income.

"We are not anticipating issuing vast numbers of fixed penalty notices, it is more about raising awareness."

Mr Smith said the council would probably introduce the new powers within the next three months.

An announcement would be made beforehand.