Glasgow's zero tolerance campaign to clear its streets of litter has resulted in more than 120 people being fined for dropping rubbish in its first week.

An army of 30 uniformed anti-litter enforcers, who wear stab-proof vests, started working in the city centre in search of litter louts, fly-tippers and vandals eight days ago, issuing £50 fixed penalties to those they catch.

Senior warden Charlie Macklin said: "We are making a real difference on the streets. People are getting to know who we are and why we are here.

"It will take time for the zero-tolerance message to sink in with everybody, but for those caught it is an expensive lesson.

"Hitting these people in the pocket is the way to show how serious we are about cleaning up the city."

Two smokers who were issued with fixed penalties for throwing their cigarette butts on the street admitted they would be binning them in future.

The male offender, who did not wish to be named, said: "I am embarrassed I have been caught.

"I knew about the enforcers and that others had been issued with fines, so I feel silly. The wardens are only doing their jobs."

However, the female shop worker, who also refused to be named, insisted she would not be paying her £50 fine.

Those who refuse to pay up could end up in court.

She said: "I am outraged. Everybody chucks cigarettes on the street, so I do not know why I have been singled out.

"There is no way I will be paying this fine - they will need to put me in jail first."

But she said she would be forced to change her behaviour.

She added: "I suppose I will need to be more careful."

Ehab Rashad, who issued the new teams' first fine, said he and his colleagues were getting a reaction from the public.

He said: "Most of those issued with fines were shocked they had been caught.

"Some were very embarrassed - one man even thanked me for pointing out his mistake and giving him a fine.

"Others have come up to say hello and say that they support what we are doing, which is great.

"We realise not everyone will welcome us, especially those who cannot be bothered to bin their litter. But why should taxpayers pay for their mess? "We will continue to tackle them until the message gets through."

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