Waging a war against rubbish

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd Jun 2009

Two parks in Otley and Yeadon are to be kept looking clean and tidy this summer after litter patrols are stepped up following residents complaints.

Two new members of staff from Leeds City Council will now be working hard at weekends and bank holidays throughout the summer keeping Wharfemeadows Park and Yeadon Tarn free from rubbish. Council officers will empty bins more frequently and litter-picking as well as managing the general upkeep of the areas.

Ward councillors raised concerns with the Parks and Countryside department and made extra funding available to cover the cost of the staff through the North West Outer Area Committee.

Cllr Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said:

"Both areas are extremely popular during the summer months but unfortunately bins are left overflowing and litter ends up everywhere. This is something we do not want to see as it is unsightly and unsafe when children are out playing.

"Staff don't normally work weekends and bank holidays but these new patrols will mean the problem is tackled straight away. The public need to do their bit and work with the officers, once the bins are emptied there is no excuse for leaving litter about."