The 'litter police' could drafted into Bolton if a six-month trial is approved by Bolton Council.

The authority is looking at a car park style warden system to tackle litterbugs.

And it could come to an agreement with environmental enforcement firm 3GS to take over from its own environmental enforcement unit for low-level offences.

Currently, all fines for littering are issued by Bolton Council.

Around two years ago, these fines for littering were increased to £150, or £100 if paid within a short time.

But the environmental enforcement unit is stretched, according to a report for consideration by deputy leader Hilary Fairclough this week, as a result of a reduction in the number of staff.

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The report states: "This has led to low-level offences such as cigarette littering being unprioritised so staff can concentrate on more serious offences."

If a six-month trial is approved by the council, environmental enforcement firm 3GS will be responsible for the service, with teams of 'litter police' on patrol in the area every day.

These teams – consisting of a team leader, a senior enforcement officer and three enforcement officers – will be in uniform and armed with bodycams and handheld devices, in a similar style to the traffic wardens supplied to the area by NSL Ltd.

3GS is set to receive 80 per cent of the fines, while the council is set to receive the rest of the fines. There is no cost to the authority, with the income estimated at £8,000 a month.

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At the end of the trial, a report would be prepared and would be submitted before a decision was made on whether to make the partnership permanent.

3GS's website reads: "Our objective is to deliver a balanced, professional and visible enforcement service to tackle environmental crime, such as littering and dog-fouling, that is zero-cost to the council, whilst also ensuring residents are both educated and informed about the importance of maintaining a clean, green local environment."

The firm is contracted by a number of other authorities, according to the report, including in Bristol and Leeds. It issued more than 30,000 fines in the last year.

The report is up for consideration by Cllr Fairclough on Wednesday.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.