HIT SQUADS of cleaners are taking to the streets of Rossendale in a bid to brighten up the borough.

Teams of eight to 12 Streetscene staff take part in high profile, mass clear ups each week.

The scheme is proving a success with areas including Bury Road, Rawtenstall by the Railway Public House; Grane Road, Helmshore; the area around McDonald's, Rising Bridge; and Hawthorn Road Play area, Bacup already tackled.

Rossendale Council is planning to continue operating the hit squads every Wednesday.

Council leader Duncan Ruddick said: "I'm sure that local residents will welcome this new approach to tackling a perennial problem. Hit squads will have an instant impact by giving particular areas a high profile make-over."

The council's Neighbourhood Environmental Action Teams are co-ordinating the clean-ups each week and are drawing up a list of sites which the hit squads will tackle in the coming weeks.

Local residents can suggest sites for the hit squads by contacting the NEAT Team on 01706 252552 or emailing neatteam@rossendalebc.gov.uk Once areas are cleaned the NEAT teams will encourage landowners to reduce potential sources of nuisance.

NEAT team co-ordinator Dave Whiteman added: "Ultimately if landowners do not co-operate with the council and their inaction is a major cause of environmental problems we have the power to force them into action or charge them for the clean up costs.

"It can be very frustrating for council staff involved in environmental clear ups. Sometimes, even just within a week of a site being cleared up, it is as messy as ever.

"Cleaning up some sites is a bit like painting the Forth Bridge the job is never done."