READERS have reacted after litterbugs were warned they could be fined up to £2,500 in court if they are caught dropping rubbish.

Recycle For Cumbria’s warning came after it saw an increase in the amount of personal protective equipment (or PPE) being discarded on the streets.

A spokesman for Recycle Cumbria said: “Anyone who is caught dropping litter can be fined up to £80, or up to £2,500 if prosecuted in court.”

One reader posted under the name ‘Is it worth it?’ to say: “There are loads of these masks littering the place and not just in Cumbria.”

GT2000 said: “Totally agree with the penalty mentioned. The trouble is that no one will get prosecuted for it, just like those letting their dogs foul the streets and not picking up, and the many thousands breaking the lockdown rules.

“Empty threats.”

Noah Manson said: “Those tasked with enforcing it are nowhere to be seen and even then are powerless to detain someone and issue a ticket.

“Many folk now know this and just keep walking.

“If they call a copper to detain them its an hour later and the litterer is long gone.”

Is it worth it? replied: “Token gesture to justify their existence, they think we won’t notice.”

Nosensenononsense added: “How many of these masks are actually on the streets as the result of littering as opposed to casual loss, for example a mask falling from pocket when taking keys out?

“Fixed penalty notices are not supposed to be issued for ‘accidental littering'.”