Councillors' litter anguish as A449 is labelled an "embarrassment" to Worcester

These images show the problems down with the A449 near Claines, with unsightly rubbish clearly visible along the verges.

Frustrated councillors have called its appearance "a reputational issue" for the city, saying it gives many first-time visitors a bad impression of Worcester.

Worcester City Council has now agreed to investigate what can be done to restore some pride along the route.

Cardboard, plastic, vehicle pieces, lorry tyres, clothes, drink bottles, food packaging and newspapers are among some of the waste found stuck among the bushes or in the grass during recent months.

One nearby resident even said they'd found two dead badgers, which went on to stay there for several months before being removed.

Claines Councillor Andy Stafford, a Conservative, has secured all-party backing for an investigation into the litter-picking regime.

"It's more than just litter and there is so much of it, it's incredible - you've got to see it to believe it," he said.

"It's almost like somebody is trying to cover the entire A449 in plastic."

He said during household surveys the appearance of the A449 is something that has cropped up regularly.

Some of his close-up images, pictured below, show how the route looks in acute detail.

Other councillors say the council needs to start talking with the likes of the Highways Agency to see how they manage to clean large trunk roads.

Councillor Roger Knight, a former city mayor and ex-cabinet member for the environment, said: "It is a reputational issue for the city - for many people driving in it is their first impression.

"I've had this worry about the A449 for some time - it's an embarrassment."

He said an old policy where one lane would be coned off to allow volunteers to litter pick the route was long-abandoned by senior officers due to health and safety concerns, without a proper investigation of other tactics.

In Norfolk litter pickers have used large vehicles as a human shield by parking them in hard shoulders while workers litter-pick.

"We need to talk to the highways agency to find out how they look after the M4, and get talking to areas like Norfolk" added Cllr Knight.

During a full council meeting on Tuesday night a motion was agreed by all parties calling the A449's litter "a detriment to the city".

Officers have been asked to investigate "low cost, innovative solutions" for more frequent litter clearances.

Labour Councillor Geoff Williams secured a deal to amend the motion's wording so it includes the word 'safe'.

Grass cutting along the route is a Worcestershire County Council task but it is not swept up, with the district council responsible for litter picking.