The Government has announced new measures to assist councils tackle fast food litter at its source.
Litter is a blight to our streets and a source of frustration to local residents.
Updated guidance will clarify the powers councils in England have to set stricter litter rules for new hot food takeaways when considering planning applications, including making sure that more bins are installed to reduce rubbish in the surrounding area.
The move will help create cleaner town centres across Tynedale and Ponteland, with figures showing that fast food items are the fourth most common type of litter found on UK high streets.
The guidance will give councils clear and consistent advice on what rules they can enforce when new takeaways open, such as ensuring they install more bins and anti-litter signs around shops or have staff members pick up litter regularly. Failing to adhere to these rules could result in financial penalties.
This is part of wider measures set out in the Build Back Better High Streets Strategy to improve the public realm and create safer and cleaner spaces.