The team, who have walked more than 375,435 steps during patrols, issued a total of 76 littering Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) in Adur and 123 FPNs in Worthing, of which nine are being taken to court.

Councils are also set to install an extra bin at Cuckoo Corner Park, Coombes, due to an increase in dog fouling after enforcement officers made the recommendation following feedback from members of the public.

Adur District Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, Cllr Emma Evans, said: “It has been fantastic to have visitors back to enjoy our beaches and parks after having to endure lockdowns.

“But sadly some people still think it’s acceptable to leave their rubbish strewn on the floor, or just lying next to bins if they are full. Our enforcement officers have and will continue to work incredibly hard to ensure our streets, beaches and parks are litter-free and can be enjoyed by all.

“Anti-social behaviour like dropping litter will not be tolerated. Littering is a criminal offence that carries large fines and potentially a criminal record.

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Digital and Environmental Services, Cllr Edward Crouch added: “Littering damages the local environment, affects people’s sense of pride in our towns and costs the council a significant amount of money to remedy – funds that could be spent elsewhere. The message is simple. Use our bins to dispose of your rubbish and if they are full take it home.

‘Our determination to ensure that a small minority don’t spoil the local environment for the rest was the reason we put extra resources on the anti-litter front line”

Thoughtless littering is one of the biggest complaints received by Councils. The waste impacts beauty spots and green spaces as well as residential roads and wind blown litter also ends up polluting the sea. In the next few months known litter hotspots and dog fouling areas will be targeted by the officers.

Under Section 88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 littering carries a maximum fine of £2,500 as well as a criminal record, and failing to pick up after their dog can lead to FPNs of £75 and £100.

It is also a criminal offence not to supply personal details to an enforcement officer which can lead to fines of up to £1,000 for not doing so, on top of the original offence.  The enforcement officers will always carry a council identity badge with their number on.