I’VE always supported the theory that if you’re going to do something then you may as well do it properly.

And that’s exactly what Thurrock Council seems to be doing in terms of its new litter-fighting campaign.

In the very first month of the no-nonsense crackdown no less than 418 fixed penalty fines, of £75, have been handed out to those caught dropping litter.

This tallies up to £30,000 plus - and half of that sum has already been collected. Not bad going at all!

The council has been criticised in the past for not doing enough to help with the borough’s litter and dog mess problem.

But this new “get stuck in and get it sorted” approach is going down well with the majority of residents, who naturally want cleaner streets and nicer neighbourhoods.

As Pauline Tolson, the councillor for environment, plainly states: “With more than 500 bins around Thurrock, there really is no excuse for spoiling our borough.” She’s 100 percent right. And her strong words are to be applauded.

So well done to Thurrock Council. This is a great start, but it is only a start, and can’t end up a false dawn.

This campaign has huge public backing and it’s now down to the council to carry on with its tough stance making sure it follows through and gathers the cash owed, before putting that money to good use.