There might be some people who feel affronted at the new powers granted to local authorities which enable councils to force people to clear up their own gardens if they are unsightly or filled with junk.

Any complaints of the authorities having any kind of power over private property must, though, pale in comparison to the communities that suffer when selfish individuals treat their gardens and yards as miniature rubbish tips.

What those people think is their right - to treat their own land as they wish - is the cause of much consternation for the rest of us who have to look at it. And piles of rubbish, as well as being unsightly, can attract vermin.

Now councils do not have to wait until litter on private property becomes a health hazard before acting, and with fines of up to £2,500 for householders - rising to £20,000 for businesses - we can perhaps hope that a more neighbourly attitude will result from these tough new powers.

Litter in all its forms is a blight on modern society, from those reckless fly-tippers who dump large amounts of waste in public places, to individuals who toss food packaging on the floor and think no more about it.

Those who litter with abandon are also facing a "zero tolerance" campaign, and risk spot fines of £75 if they are caught in the act. Those who can't pay will be given a formal warning or forced to attend a litter awareness course driving home the consequences of their actions.

These new powers might seem tough, but a hard-line attitude is needed to tackle those who refuse to consider the rest of us.