A TURF war has emerged across Preston -- over dumped rubbish.

The problem came to light this week as councillors finalised plans to take part in next month's national Just Bin It campaign -- organised by the Tidy Britain Group.

And residents, together with councillors, are planning to tackle local 'grot spots' under the Just Bin It theme.

But in several areas councils, county councils and shops have drawn their own battle lines to highlight who is responsible for litter.

Liberal Democrat councillors are now highlighting the situation outside Ingol library and the shopping precinct on Granton Walk. In the 150-yard precinct, residents complaining about litter have been told that Lancashire County Council are responsible for cleaning up rubbish outside the library, rubbish outside Ingol housing office has to be cleaned up by Preston council and any litter outside shops such as the Co-op must be the shops' responsibility.

Councillor Bill Chadwick, who is leading a clean-up campaign, said: "April Fools Day I thought had come early when I heard about this nonsense. But no, there are turf wars over rubbish!

"A dropped can or toffee packet could be blown or kicked up and down across all these boundaries!

"This is a nonsense that must be rectified. We need litter patrols funded by the council who receive plenty of money."

A spokesperson for Preston council said: "We share the concerns of residents and will be discussing matter with the occupiers of the precinct to get the problem sorted out."

Pictured are Councillors Margaret Marshall, Bill Chadwick, Kath Derbyshire and Ron Marshall with resident Simon Moore and Councillor Alan Valentine outside Ingol Library