FED-UP community leaders sick of reckless litter bugs have called for a zero-tolerance approach.

They want to get police involved in a bid to stop those who are ruining the county for the majority of residents.

They fear the litter is causing a danger to children.

And they say it is not fair on those who act responsibly and take time to recycle.

Flint Coleshill councillor Alex Aldridge proposed the plan at a recent meeting at County Hall and said even areas where children play can be strewn with litter including smashed bottles.

He said: “We want a zero-tolerance approach so Flintshire Council can work with police on these matters. All the work we are all doing is being wasted.

“People are going round over and over again in the same areas trying to make them nice for people to enjoy.”

Cllr Aldridge said within hours of areas being cleaned up rubbish including glass bottles and fast food containers can reappear.

Dedicated youngsters from Flint Air Cadets and Flint Third St Mary’s Guides spent time this summer clearing mountains of rubbish from Swinchiard Brook in Flint.

However, after the area was transformed fly-tippers dumped furniture and sacks of rubbish into the water leaving Cllr Aldridge furious.

Whitford councillor Chris Dolphin, who was also at the meeting, said: “It is a county-wide problem. It is dog mess, plastic water bottles and waste from fast food outlets.

“The county council is trying to do its bit, but it needs to be harder from them and from the police.

“We would like to get PCSOs involved.

“I look forward to the time when we are fining people for dog mess and littering.

“We should come down harder.”

Buckley councillor Dennis Hutchinson, Flintshire Council’s executive member for public protection, said: “It is a good suggestion and we are going to follow it through.

“Litter, dog fouling and fly tipping is not acceptable.

“They are costing the county a lot of money to clear up after them.”