THE streets of Darwen are to be cleaner than every before after a clean-up campaign was launched by council bosses.

Litter-ravaged streets in the Sunnyhurst area are to be tidied up eight times a year instead of four as part of the massive operation being run by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Roads being targeted in the clean-up include Hindle Street, Queen Street, Harwood Street, Nicholas Street, Scholes Street, Higher Lawrence Street and Crewdson Street.

Councillor Dave Smith welcomed the news and said: "There have been a lot of problems with people dumping things in this area.

"All kinds of things are dumped in the back streets ranging from everything from mattresses to beds and sofas.

"I am very pleased that this has been set up and it is good news for the residents. It will be one of a number initiatives. We have already seen a number of community skips and leaflets are due to be distributed warning people they will be prosecuted if they are caught dumping rubbish."

Councillor Smith urged people to report anybody dumping rubbish by telephoning Neigbourhood Services at the town hall, on 01254 585585.