RESIDENTS are being urged to clean up their streets in a new campaign.

New signs on Hyndburn Council's collection vans, sweepers and carts will raise awareness about the drive.

And leaflets helping residents dispose of waste properly have been produced.

People face £75 on-the-spot fines for littering the streets.

The Neater Streets campaign aims to highlight the problems caused by litter.

And also to encourage people to take pride in the area by putting litter into a bin or taking it home.

Peter Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration, launched the campaign, saying: "Some people throw cigarette ends, crisps packets, fast food packaging and the like without a backward glance, or a thought as to what will happen to their debris.

"These selfish people are costing the borough's council tax payers a vast amount of money to pick up.

"It is time they made the choice to either put it in the bin or take it home.

"It is everyone's responsibility to help create a clean and attractive place for us all.

The council is one of six Lancashire districts to receive nearly £18,000 funding from the Government for litter projects.

It is hoped Neater Streets will help the council fall below its 15 per cent cleaner environment target for the year.

Coun Peter Clake said: "We have made great strides in improving the cleanliness of our streets over the past four years, with real noticeable changes.

"We all have a choice of whether to drop litter or not, all we are asking is that you take pride in your town and educate your, family not to drop litter."