LITTER louts are costing local council tax payers £1.8 million a year.

That is the cost of the contract for cleaning Leigh and Wigan streets.

Now the Tidy Britain Group is seeking an army of volunteers to stop the rot and join the group's annual National Spring Clean campaign.

Now in its 10th year, the crusade is the UK's biggest litter drive. Throughout April it urges people to band together and clean up their area.

The group's director general, Prof Graham Ashworth, said: "I urge everyone in the Leigh area to get involved, or at least heed the message that litter is ruining your environment and burning a hole in your pocket."

To join the campaign call the Freephone hotline on 0800 783 7838 for an information pack.

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