HOW encouraging it is to see the direct approach employed by an East Lancashire council to combat one of the most common curses on our community -- litter.

For on a patrol in Hyndburn today is Lancashire's first anti-litter warden, William Hickson. He is armed with the power to issue £25 on-the-spot fines to people who refuse to pick up litter that he has seen them throw away. If they won't, they risk being taken to court and fined up to £1,000.

That tough action is needed and overdue is plain. A glance at the state of many of our streets and opens spaces reveals how widespread the litter problem is.

But is much more than a matter of the place being made to look unsightly. Litter is often also dangerous and a health risk.

And it is enormously expensive to clear up and dispose of -- a burden that falls on council tax payers as their local authorities strive to keep up with a never-ending task.

But does not the crux of the problem lie not in the disagreeable and costly effects, but in the thoughtlessness and ignorance that enables too many people to see nothing wrong in discarding rubbish improperly?

Indeed, as we report tonight, many do not believe they are committing an offence when they do. And, coupled with evidently high levels of unconcern among those who are aware that it is against the law, is not this misguided notion a result of anti-littering laws being rendered a virtual dead letter because they are so seldom used against offenders? Prosecutions, in our experience, are extremely rare.

At last, then, the firm pro-active approach is employed and in a twin-pronged fashion that will teach people the law -- the hard way if need be -- and which will also deter.

Pioneer Mr Hickson will need both tact and courage as he tackles offenders. But, surely, confrontation is what had long been needed when the blind eye that the law has previously turned to the problem has resulted in the community having to pay dearly in many ways to pick up its own mess.

Other councils, please copy.