A SUNNYHURST councillor has launched a Pride in Darwen campaign after being alerted to overflowing rubbish and litter in the town centre.

Cllr Pete Hollings wants residents and visitors to work with the borough council to make sure its thriving town centre and nightlife do not result in litter-strewn dirty streets like it did this weekend.

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The town council deputy chairman said: “I was alerted on Facebook to the mess on Sunday morning and decided something needs to be done.

“Darwen is becoming a victim of its own success, with a thriving nightlife, good pubs, clubs, restaurants and takeaways.

“We need to get everyone involved, residents and visitors, and the borough council, to make sure our beautiful Victorian town looks at its best.

“So, I am launching a Pride in Darwen campaign to get everyone involved with the many ‘friends’ and community groups in the town to keep the centre and surrounding areas clean, tidy and looking their best.”

Cllr Hollings has secured the support of Lib Dem political opponent and ‘clean up’ campaigner Paul Browne, and borough environment boss Jim Smith.

His Sunnyhurst ward colleague Dave Smith said: “I am 100 per cent behind this. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep Darwen spick and span.”

Cllr Hollings, who was also "sickened" at the amount of dog dirt on new footpaths in Sunnyhurst Woods during a weekend community clean-up, said: “We really need to be proud of Darwen, its town centre and open spaces.

“I shall be speaking to borough officials about making sure the clean-up teams come here when they are needed.

“We don’t need mess and litter and rubbish, but everyone who lives here and visits taking their responsibility for keeping Darwen clean and tidy.”

Cllr Smith said: “I am absolutely behind Pete on this one.

“Sunday was a one-off as we had staff off sick, but I will work with him to make sure we have the right people available when and where they are needed.

“I and my department will work with the people of Darwen to make them proud of a clean and tidy town.”

Cllr Browne said: “Darwen is thriving but it does get messy."

“I shall support this campaign to have pride in the town and get everyone, including the borough council, fully involved.”

East Rural Tory councillor Julie Slater said: “Darwen is a beautiful place and everyone needs to have pride in it and get involved in keeping it clean and tidy.”