IN response to this week’s headlines about the new fines for littering, I'm scratching my head because a few weeks ago the headlines were that not one penalty had been issued for dog dirt in the last two years.

And then £11,000 of fines in two days have been issued "largely for cigarette ends."

All litter is anti-social but I’d much rather the immediate focus be on dog mess and more visible litter such as fast food packaging, bottles and cans - especially alcohol - than tiny cigarette butts that are probably safer put out in the gutter than a bin and wash away easily.

Mark O’Brien by email.