The amount of smoking-related rubbish littering the streets has risen since the introduction of the smoking ban, according to a study carried out by the anti-litter group Keep Britain Tidy.
The findings, disclosed in The Publican, show that 83 per cent of councils have reported an increase in cigarette litter in their town.
Local residents are also airing their grievances in greater numbers against the rising tide of smoking paraphernalia littering local areas.
Despite the complaints and the ability for councils to fine smokers up to £80 on the spot under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, it has been reported that little has been done to prevent the problem.
However it was announced that ten local councils will participate in a Keep Britain Tidy campaign which will discourage smokers from littering via a series of advertisements appearing on billboards, washrooms and busses.
Wales on Sunday reported this week that smokers are being targeted by CCTV cameras and fined if caught dropping their cigarettes outside pubs.
