PEOPLE are fed up with rubbish-strewn streets - and want to see them swept clean.

Today the Citizen launches a campaign to rid the roads of rubbish, with fag ends and chewing gum top of our hit list.

Lancaster City Council is backing our 'Butt Out' campaign, which we hope will lead to cleaner streets across the area.

Litter is a scourge on the streets. Our story last week sparked an unprecedented reaction from you, the local public.

Phones at the Citizen offices were red hot with fed-up folk backing the council's decision to slap litter louts with fixed penalty notices.

We intend to reveal the extent of the problems created by the build-up of litter from cigarette ends and chewing gum to all other types of rubbish regularly dumped on the streets.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, which received Royal Assent last month, has already inspired local authorities to take action against environmental crime.

New powers enable councils to act swiftly to keep public spaces clean and safe.

The Act has also clarified that chewing gum and cigarette butts are litter and anyone caught dropping these can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Lancaster City Council's Cabinet member for waste collection Cllr Jon Barry is fully behind 'Butt Out' and says: "I think this is a really worthwhile campaign by the Citizen and, on behalf of the council, I am delighted to back it. I'm not surprised by Citizen readers' response because it echoes what residents have told us. They want to see litter, dog fouling and fly tipping reduced.

"It is up to the council to clean the streets and empty bins as well as it can. However, the public also has to play its part by realising that is not acceptable to drop litter on our streets.

"This is a great opportunity for us all to join together as a community and say so. It's a great opportunity to make a difference."

o Tell us what you think. Call the Citizen on 01524-382121 or send an e-mail to matt.donlan@lancaster.newsquest.co.uk