It costs £12m a year to deal with the city’s growing litter problem and walking on city centre streets each morning can mean dodging takeaway wrappers and the remnants of late-night snacks.

Now Wakefield Council’s environment officers have decided to put government-given powers into action, which will mean they can issue notices to offending takeaways or retailers with strict controls, which they must comply with.

Bob Taylor, Wakefield Council’s service manager for enforcement, said: “Most people don’t see the waste, as our cleaning service is out at 5am clearing it all away.

“But it is costing the council £12m a year in cleaning and disposing litter from the streets and that is paid for by all of us in the community tax.

“We don’t think it is unreasonable that people who are making a profit from this business should take responsibility.

“We have had examples where some late night food-on-the-go premises have swept the rubbish out of their premises and onto the streets.

“This is totally unacceptable.”

Last year the council sent out consultations to 40 premises to try to combat the litter problems – but only two replied.

If a Street Litter Control Notice is issued, businesses will have 21 days to appeal against it or comply.

Typical conditions would be sweeping the streets around the premises every two hours in peak periods.

If conditions are not met within this time, the council has the power to fine or prosecute.

Mr Taylor added: “We haven’t prosecuted anyone yet.

“But we have started collecting documentary evidence of problem premises.

“First impressions are very important. It’s about the environment and having pride in where we live. We are trying to make the face of Wakefield a pleasant one.”