A BLITZ on some of Burnley's worst grot spots was to get under way today with a brook clean-up.

Burnley Council has vowed to name and shame people who break the law by littering, fly-tipping or allowing dogs to foul public places as part of the clampdown.

Graffiti and abandoned cars will also be targeted in Operation Red Card, which aims to make Burnley a cleaner place to live.

The initiative was launched at Towneley Hall last week and has won Government backing.

One of the first events will be a clean-up of a dirty brook in Padgate Place today.

Burnley has been asked by the Home Office to be one of 10 national pilot authorities for a major new scheme, 100 days to a Cleaner Neighbourhood, to stamp out environmental crime.

But the council is so concerned about the problems it has decided to extend the campaign for the next 12 months.

The clean-up operation will focus on the town centre, main roads, bus stops, parks and open spaces, known local grot spots, schools, businesses and public buildings.

A hit squad will be set up over the initial 100 days to respond to complaints or to help organise community clean-ups.

A telephone hot-line will also be set up for the public to ring in about areas of concern in their neighbourhoods.

The council's website will keep residents up to date on what is happening and allow them to report problems on-line.

Councillor Linda Gauton, the council's executive member for public protection and community safety, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity to make a difference to our borough.

"The campaign will get across a clear message that these are problems we are not going to tolerate any longer."

She called on residents to get behind Operation Red Card.

Coun Gauton said: "The council and its partners are working hard, but it won't be a success unless we have the help and support of people of all ages across the area."

Council chief executive Gillian Taylor added: "We will be doing all we can to tackle these problems. We will be giving help and support to communities who want to help clean up their own areas.

"We will be naming and shaming persistent offenders."