Sheffield Council is one of the first authorities in the country to introduce the initiative for people who receive £60 fixed penalty notices.

Offenders would work off their fines at the equivalent of council cleaners' hourly rates.

Sheffield Council leader Coun Jan Wilson said: "Time and time again people say littering and graffiti are at the top of their list of concerns.

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"The scheme will be an excellent way for people to work off their penalty by cleaning up the city and making amends for their bad behaviour by giving something back to their local communities."

Coun Bryan Lodge, council cabinet member for transport, streetscene and green spaces, added: "It will give people who spoil our streets an idea of the amount of time and resources the council has to spend dealing with litter. I hope it will send out a message that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in Sheffield."

The option of allowing offenders to clean up instead of being fined is permitted through powers given to councils in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.

So far, the idea is only operating in a handful of areas.

The legislation, allowing councils to issue penalties for litter, flyposting and graffiti, came into force in 2006. Liberal Democrats claim it should have been introduced sooner.

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