Reported littering throughout Belfast is at it lowest level since 2004, according to new research.

Belfast City Council launched the next phase of its anti-litter campaign and surveyed the public with just over a quarter (27%) reporting some form of littering in the last six months compared to 52% when the campaign first began in 2004.

Enforcement was also found to be actively working in deterring people from littering with 2,274 people receiving on the spot fines last year (from April 16 to March 17) and 423 fines being issued this year (since April).

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The next phase of the campaign is tackling people's attitudes and behaviour towards littering.

Alderman Tommy Sandford, Chair of the Council's People and Communities Committee, said: "While the improvements in people's attitudes through the years is encouraging, nevertheless, we have to push on with our efforts in clamping down on littering in the city. Hand in hand with our strong approach to enforcement, our campaign has a simple message and that is there is zero tolerance towards littering and no excuse for it. Let's all work towards keeping Belfast litter-free – just remember Litter Just Bin It!"

(CD/LM)