A GROWING mountain of cigarette litter is expected on the streets of a Kent city in the wake of the smoking ban which comes into force next weekend.

Thousands of butts are dropped every day but city council environment officers in Canterbury fear the problem is about to get even worse.

They believe more people will be stepping out into the street from businesses, shops, pubs and restaurants for a quick smoke.

In a bid to tackle the situation, offenders are set to face an £80 fixed penalty notice if they are seen to drop a butt.

A 'smoking freedom officer' has even been appointed to enforce the new law.

* See the Kentish Gazette (Thursday, June 21) for the full story.