I DROPPED a cigarette on my way into Sainsbury's – on leaving I was approached by a woman and man who said they were going to take me to court for littering.

They said on this occasion they would give me a penalty notice of £80.

The reason for penalties for littering is the high cost of cleaning it all up.

What's annoying is the car park is owned by Sainsbury's and is cleaned by their staff along with the other stores.

How does the council justify fining people for an area they don't clean.

To add insult to injury when I asked did they pick it up the officer replied "no I kicked it to the gutter".

It would seem that the target is not the streets of Birkenhead but the most lucrative area regardless of any liability to clean.

I would add that littering is a nuisance but it would be more comfortable if the money went to the people responsible for the clean- up after.

Eric Harris by email