LABOUR councillors in Preston are calling for more money to be pumped into litter collection in a bid to encourage pride in Preston.

Outspoken councillor Albert Richardson launched an attack on the town's litterbugs, accusing them of having no care for the would-be city.

Now all 28 members of Labour's council contingent are behind his crusade and calling for an extra £7,000 to be pumped into litter collection.

The proposal is being scrutinised by the council.

Under the plans being investigated, all central areas will receive an increased level of litter collection, with some of the major parks possibly having their litter clearing reduced from once a day during the winter to less frequent levels.

Coun Richardson said: "I am very pleased that my colleagues in the Labour group are backing me and now realise how important is to put the pride back into Preston by launching this drive against people who drop litter.

"I only hope that other councillors share the same concerns and will join with us to make the resources available to get on with the job.

"It is of the utmost importance that we put the pride back into Preston."

Other cleansing services could be slightly reduced to offset the £7,000 cost of the extra litter rounds. The Cenotaph may only be cleaned once a year, while the number of repairs to benches in the town's parks may also be cut.

Coun Rose Kinsella, leisure services committee chairman, said: "Instead of deciding on what to do at last week's meeting, we opted to allow council officers to decide which option was most viable.

"They will present a further report at a future meeting."

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