Campaigners are rejoicing after Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles gave the go-ahead to criminalise spitting in the borough’s streets.

More than two years ago the Over 50s Forum launched a campaign to make spitting in public places a punishable offence.

The campaign gathered huge support with more than 4,000 people signing a petition, as well as receiving cross-party backing at Enfield Council.

As a result, the authority asked the Government to introduce a new by-law banning spitting, which Eric Pickles has now approved.

Speaking to the Enfield Independent Monty Meth, president of the Over 50s Forum, said: “We are pleased that at long last the Government has listened to us. I’m delighted we have been vindicated and that our efforts have been rewarded.

“Spitting in the streets is unhealthy and anti-social - it brings the area down.

"A litter ban, which has been successful in helping clean-up the streets, has been introduced in the borough and we hope this will do the same. This new by-law will get rid of an anomaly whereby council officers could police litter bugs but not spitting bugs.”

There will be a month-long consultation period before Mr Pickles is asked to confirm the by-law. It would come into force one month after confirmation.

Enfield Council's cabinet member for environment, Councillor Chris Bond, said: "This is a victory for the people of Enfield who were overwhelmingly in favour of a ban on spitting in this borough.

"It is an awful and disgusting habit and I'm delighted we can now get on with banning this filthy practice.I hope other local authorities will now follow suit.

"Our campaign to end spitting has resonated with people all over the United Kingdom and we've had a number of other councils contact us and say they are considering a similar ban."

Shadow Conservative environment spokeswoman Councillor Joanne Laban added: “Spitting is unpleasant, has health connotations and is generally not a nice habit.

“The by-law is a great achievement that all the community have been pushing for. It shows what people can do when they work together.”

A council spokeman said it is likely spitting will be policed by the authority's environment officers who will issue fixed penalty notices.