LITTER louts beware the whole of Glasgow now knows who you are.

by Marianne Taylor

LITTER louts beware the whole of Glasgow now knows who you are.

Today we reveal the names of a further 500 people hit with fines for littering our streets and we'll name hundreds more throughout the week.

The exposé has sparked a huge response from readers, the vast majority backing our move.

Our online poll, which yesterday asked whether the louts should be named, received its fastest response ever from readers. Within just two hours more than 600 votes had been cast and by 7am today we'd received nearly 1400.

And support for our stance to print the list was overwhelming, with more than two-thirds saying we were right to name and shame.

Today Glasgow politicians and its citizens also threw their weight behind the drive.

Glasgow SNP MSP Sandra White said: "I congratulate the Evening Times for naming and shaming these irresponsible people. All those on the list should be ashamed of themselves."

She added: "Keeping our streets clean is vital."

Tory MSP Bill Aitken added: "Any action taken to improve the city's image has my full support."

Springburn Labour MSP Paul Martin said: "I warmly welcome what the Evening Times is doing. It's about time litter louts faced up to their behaviour and changed it.

"There is absolutely no excuse for dropping litter and I believe naming and shaming those responsible is an extremely effective tool."

The list of shame was obtained from Glasgow City Council which also plans to publish it on their website as part of their £4million Clean Glasgow campaign.

Every person on the list has admitted their guilt by paying a £50 fine issued for dropping litter, discarding a cigarette end, allowing their dog to foul the streets or fly-tipping.

More than 6000 fines have been issued - mostly by litter wardens - since February.

There was also support for our campaign on the streets.

Pensioner John Berry, 63, from Dennistoun, said: "I'm right behind the Evening Times people who drop litter should be ashamed."

Laurence Johnstone, 52, of Muirhead, said: "Hopefully by having their names printed these people will now think twice before dumping litter."

Jean Ferguson of the city centre said: "More people should be fined and publicly shamed. It's the only way to make people more responsible."

Anna Jordan and Megan Kearney, are from Belfast and Megan, 17, said: "We have litter wardens in Belfast too they make a difference."

However not everyone agreed.

Alison Knapman, 17, of Bearsden, said: "Naming and shaming seems harsh they've already been adequately punished."

And Elizabeth Mount, 69, of Port Dundas, said: "Naming them in public goes too far."