Three people have been fined almost £4,000 between them as part of a clamp down on littering in Gravesham.

Michael Finch, 20, of Wallis Park, Gravesend was caught dropping drinks cans, a lollipop stick and a plastic shoe hanger on four separate occasions. He was ordered to pay £1,497, including costs.

Lenny Scamp, 26, of Stonebridge Road, Northfleet was caught dropping cigarette ends and paper on three separate occasions. He was ordered to pay £1,050, including costs.

Michal Gulas, 23, of Wrotham Road, Gravesend dropped black bin bags, a cigarette end and a CD Player and children’s bike on three different occasions. He was ordered to pay £1,050, including costs.

All three men failed to show up before Medway magistrates last Monday , so in their absence were found guilty based on the provided evidence.

Cllr Sandra Garside, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “We take littering very seriously and these prosecutions show that we will not tolerate people littering in our borough.

“If you are caught, you must pay, otherwise you’ll end up going to court. Prosecutions take up a lot of time and money, but if that’s what it takes to make Gravesham the best possible place for our residents, we will do it.”

Anyone caught littering in the borough can expect to be hit with a £75 fine. If a littering case goes to court, fines of up to £2,500 can be imposed.