A CAMPAIGN has been launched to clean up Hyndburn’s former waterside beauty spots.

Hyndburn Borough Councillors are appealing for public feedback after a raft of complaints about fly tipping, litter, dog fouling and mini-motorbike nuisance at a number of hot spots along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in the borough.

The council’s watchdog Overview and Scrutiny Committee has now appointed a special panel to undertake an in-depth review aimed at renovating waterside areas to their former glory by this time next year.

Feedback from the public on specific problem areas, and ideas on how to improve areas popular with walkers are being gathered until October.

A strategy to improve the waterside will be passed on to Hyndburn’s cabinet for approval by spring next year, as well as recommendations to other agencies and groups of volunteers.

Chairman of the scrutiny panel, Coun Doug Hayes said: “The waterside areas are very important to many people. As well as being popular with walkers, many of the sea cadets and youth organisations use the canal for canoeing and other activities.

“We get a lot of complaints from people whose experience of the canal is ruined by problems with motorbikes, rubbish, dog-fouling and fly-tipping. We want to do this with the public and are very keen to hear everyone’s views on what our priorities should be.

“I look forward to hearing from residents, British Waterways, community groups and other interested groups. We would also like to know about the wildlife and wildlife habitat that the canal and surrounding area provide.”

If you would like to inform the scrutiny panel of your views, or would like the opportunity to attend a meeting in person and speak to the councillors, contact Helen Gee on 01254 380116 or Paul Preston on 380129, or e-mail scrutiny@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

The deadline for receipt of comments is Friday October 3.