Permission to use a bylaw, which paves the way for spitting in public to become a criminal offence, has been granted by the Government.

Waltham Forest Council earlier this year began issueing on-the-spot fines for spitting and urinating in the street as part of a range of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour and clean up the borough.

But doubts were raised by neighbouring Enfield Council over its legality.

Now Enfield has been granted permission by the Department for Commmunities to enforce the bylaw,

Failure to pay the fine could result in prosecution.

A month-long consultation will take place before communities secretary Eric Pickles finally confirms the bylaw.