A CAMPAIGN to tidy up Weymouth town centre with uniformed patrols issuing fines to litterbugs looks set to grow as councillors consider using more officers and target extra offences.

But complaints about a pilot project is prompting Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to introduce measures to raise awareness of the patrols and help residents understand the process.

This includes drawing up a 'customer charter' to ensure the service is fair, and briefing councillors on procedures including on complaints so they can advise residents. There will also be better signs to make people aware of the patrols.

It comes as it is revealed more than 820 fines were issued during a pilot by contractor 3GS Ltd during the first 11 months – around 18 every week. Most (625) were for dropping cigarette butts for which there is a £75 fine (£50 if paid within a week).

A report says the project has been helping to clean up the streets, and that there will be a surplus of cash leftover.

But there were 100 complaints or appeals against fines during the period.

Complaints appear to have risen during the latter part of the period, and 3GS says this is mainly due to "repeat complaints from a few customers".

The council is aware however that patrols are being perceived in a negative light by some – and if rolling out a permanent scheme it wants to ensure everyone is aware of the patrols and their powers.

A pilot by 3GS is coming to and end and councillors want to know whether the scheme should continue.

Scrutiny committee councillors met in November to review the work carried out, and recommend what should happen next.

The management committee, which meets on February 6, is now being urged to give the green light to a permanent enforcement project which could expand to other areas of the borough, use more officers and target further offences apart from littering and dog offences.

A report by Head of Community protection Graham Duggan says: "The range of offences will be reviewed to help ensure that the service meets expectations of councillors and it helps to maintain a clean and pleasant environment.

"The number of patrol officers will also be reviewed but it will need to take account of financial resources.

"The provision of signage and its clarity will also be reviewed.

"Surplus income will be committed to environmental education activities focused around schools and young people."

Mr Duggan says there has been local media coverage and comment on social media about the patrols – mainly complaints.

The service is either seen as helping to keep streets clean or "over burdensome and punitive".

"Whatever the views, the council has been seen to take action over litter and other health and environmental matters," Mr Duggan says.