NEW powers to fine litterbugs could be given to Police Community Support Officers after a request from councillors.

Chesham Town Council recently launched its 'Stop the Drop' campaign, aimed at cutting down the amount of littering taking place in the town.

Deputy mayor Peter Hudson said a meeting of the council last week he had contacted the Thames Valley Assistant Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner David Carroll about whether powers to issue on-the-spot fines for littering could be granted to PCSOs.

According to Cllr Hudson, Mr Carroll said he is looking for those powers to be implemented.

Any decision on granting additional powers to PCSOs would need to be ratified by Thames Valley Police and Chiltern Council.

The proposal has the full backing of town council members, who said a financial deterrent was the only way to cut down on littering in Chesham.