A RETIRED ex-army medic has said he feels he is being "harassed" after being fined for "throwing a cigarette butt into the road and leaving it behind".

David Blackburn, 69, claims he was followed by a litter picker working for the council, and that he placed his cigarette on the floor while he took shopping into his house. 

Before he had a chance, he says, to come back and pick it up, the fine of £75 had already been issued. 

He tried to challenge the fine, but he was not successful, and ending up paying it in full. 

David also says that he has been followed by the same person twice since the incident.

He said: "It feels vindictive, it feels like I am being harrassed.

"I have contacted my solicitor about whether this is harrassment or not."

He added: "It's ridiculous, especially if this is the way these people are being trained to do their jobs."

A statement from the council said: "The Council does not have any information about the incident but would encourage those who are unhappy with the council’s service to make a complaint in line with our complaints procedure. "

Additionally, full details of the council's Clean Street Strategy can be found at: salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/your-council/salisbury-clean-streets.