A NEW policy cracking down on residents who put out black bin bags too early has been passed - in a sign that the council "means business" as it steps up its battle against litter louts.

City of York councillors heard how the problem made certain parts of the city look untidy, obstructed footpaths and presented hygiene problems.

Until now it has been difficult to take action against people who persistently offend.

But at a meeting of the environment and sustainability advisory panel, councillors approved new measures - which could include on-the-spot £100 fines - to tackle the problem.

Under the three-stage policy, residents will be handed a series of warnings. If problems persist, the council can serve a notice which, if broken, will pave the way for fines and prosecution.

The council said the policy - part of the York Pride crackdown - will not penalise residents who leave rubbish out the evening before an early morning collection, but will enable action to be taken against culprits who persistently leave bags out early, sometimes several days in advance of collection days.

Councillor Andrew Waller, executive member for environment, said: "We are putting down a message to persistent offenders that we mean business.

"This should not worry people who put things out the night before their collections as I appreciate that many neighbours do this on behalf of elderly residents, or if their street gets collected very early in the morning."

He said he was grateful for the proactive work that street environment officers had done in taking the message to students, who have been identified as a problem area.

His Labour counterpart, Coun Dave Horton, said he still had concerns about how easily the plans could be enforced and fines collected.

He also warned that terraced areas like Leeman Road had little amenity space at the back of properties. Often people did not want bins "under their kitchen windows", he said, so they put them in the back alleys and could now be open to action.

Coun Horton called for patrol officers to show caution and said each case should be treated on its merits.

Updated: 10:30 Monday, October 18, 2004