MOTORISTS are being warned to keep Bury blooming and stop dropping litter on the roads via a new sign on the M66.

The sign, on Junction 3 at Pilsworth, reminds drivers of the £2,500 maximum penalty for dropping litter and has been erected in a bid to help Bury win national recognition for Britain in Bloom.

Last year the town won the regional title for the north west in the floral competition and Bury Council hope the sign, erected by the Highways Agency as part of a pilot scheme, will encourage motorists to help keep the roads clean and tidy.

Andrew Winstanley, Highways Agency project manager, said: We are very proud of our roads and want drivers to join us in helping keep them clean and tidy. We spend £1 million a year with dedicated teams collecting rubbish left behind by unthinking motorists.

This is money that could be used to help make our roads safer that we are having to divert into ensuring they are kept tidy.

Bury Councils head of waste management, Steve Morris, said: By Bury being involved in the Britain in Bloom competition we hope to increase residents civic pride, bring about long term environmental improvements and boost recognition and the local economy.