When Swansea Council revealed plans to hand out £25 fines to anyone caught dropping rubbish, South Wales Evening Post reporter Richard Auty decided to play litter lout for the day.

Richard took to the streets of Swansea to see how people would react to him dropping rubbish in front of them.

He told Evening Post readers: "The council's plan to fine people for dropping rubbish in the streets got a resounding vote of approval from people out and about in the city.

"And all I had to do to find out was risk life, limb and the odd ear-bashing, by trying to really get people's backs up and throw litter on to the street in front of them.

"However, not one person challenged me about it.

"Although all admitted afterwards they had certainly thought about it."

One man told Richard: "It really gets on my nerves, but I was in two minds whether to say anything.

"If it was someone who'd had a bad morning, you could end up getting punched in the head."

Richard continued his quest to disgust the public with his littering in the tranquil surrounds of St Mary's Square.

He reported: "What better place for a loudmouth on a mobile phone to drop his empty Irn Bru bottle and wander off?

"I could almost feel their eyes burning in to my back as I sauntered off, having done the deed."

Cabinet member for environment and health David Jones said: "The people of Swansea are rightly concerned about litter.

"I am sure the fines will be a success. The dog fouling fines we issue have been very successful and I see no reason why this would not be a success as well."

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