Riot-Hit London Borough Plans Spitting Ban

A London borough blighted by the summer riots is planning to introduce a ban on spitting.

Council bosses in Enfield hope the crackdown would help restore a sense of responsibility and respect among the community.

Councillor Chris Bond, cabinet member for Environment said: "It's a disgusting, anti-social habit which can spread germs.

"After the summer riots it's even more important to get a bit more respect back for our borough and Britain. It's a small but important step to start with spitting."

Enfield was badly hit by the rioting and looting, with shops targeted in the town centre and at a retail park.

The giant Sony distribution centre close to the M25 motorway was also set fire to by arsonists.

The borough saw groups of local people who billed themselves as "anti-riot squads" patrolling the streets, while the Met Police were dealing with trouble elsewhere.

An anti-spitting poster campaign has now started in Enfield and a petition to canvas local opinions is underway.

If the petition collects 2,750 signatures, councillors will apply to the Government to introduce a by-law.

A council spokesman said existing litter officers could be asked to issue fines to people caught spitting in public.

Decisions have yet to be made, but fines could be as much as £80.