A MAN who emptied his car ashtray into the street has become the first person in Kent to receive a penalty notice for littering from a Police Community Support Officer.

The man was caught in the act in Parkwood Parade, Park Wood, Maidstone, on September 7 by PCSO for Park Wood, Trevor Knowler, who issued the ticket.

The £30 fine has now been paid and the process is complete. PCSO Knowler said: "People's quality of life is very important and unpleasant and unsightly litter does not help to maintain it to a good level.

"If the powers we have to issue tickets for littering goes just a small way to make people feel they are living in a pleasant and tidy area, then I think we are having a positive impact.

"There is no need for people to drop litter all over public areas such as pavements and roads when there are so many rubbish bins provided all over Maidstone."