Keep Bermuda Beautiful is to employ a summer student to suggest ways to strengthen the Island's lax litter laws.

KBB President Scott Kitson said the current laws, which carry a maximum $1,000 fine, were unenforceable.

He explained: "In order for a fine to be imposed there must be several pieces of evidence and it must be witnessed in person by a environmental officer. But I believe there is only one on the Island.

"It's impossible to get fined.

"I think if a Policeman sees someone throwing a beer bottle out of a window ticketable -- it should be finable on the spot.

"We will get a law student to look at litter legislation around the world.'' When KBB has firm proposals it will lobby the Government to beef up the law.

Mr. Kitson said the organisation's annual weekend clean-up had gone well, despite the fact that less trash had been picked up by fewer people.

He said: "We have a regular clean up every weekend so it is hard to say whether there is less trash because of that or whether there is less trash being left.'' "Regardless, it is still good news that we found less trash this year.'' And he said a lower turn-out wasn't a cause of concern either as many individual groups were now organising regular clean-ups on their own.

Joining in with National Clean-up Day were UBP MPs John Barritt and Michael Dunkley who organised a sweep in Devon Springs near the recycling plant.

Mr. Barritt said his group collected 100 bags of rubbish in just two hours in an area less than 100 yards long.

Garbage included motorcycles and parts plus furniture and a rusted store trolley.

Mr. Barritt said: "It makes you wonder what people were thinking when they tossed their garbage at the side of the road. I guess they are thinking it's someone else's problem and that's too bad.''