A LEADING Worcester city councillor has called for a clean-up of the Faithful City.

Former mayor Derek Prodger has urged residents to back his campaign for a litter-busting attack on the city.

Coun Prodger hopes to promote a Keep Worcester Tidy Week in the coming weeks.

He wants groups and individuals to consider spending a week doing their bit to keep the city tidy by picking up litter.

"Worcester is a lovely, traditional old city, let us make a special effort to keep it clean and litter free," he said.

Coun Prodger said problem areas were scattered around the city.

He said car parks near pubs and clubs were littered with rubbish due to late-night revellers dropping wrappers from early morning snacks.

However, he praised the "wonderful workers," who tirelessly clean the streets from as early as 5am.

He added he could not understand why people drop litter and believes there is no excuse when there are so many bins in the streets.

He pointed out there are a variety of schemes designed to keep Worcester tidy.

In June 2003 kerbside-recycling schemes were started to collect household rubbish.

The Council set a target aiming to collect 18 per cent of recyclable materials from the kerbside.

The response to this scheme was fantastic and it smashed the target two months earlier than anticipated.

About 700 properties have been added to the recycling round and recycling bags are now distributed to 92 per cent of all Worcester residents.

"I must congratulate the public on their response to recycling," said Coun Prodger.

"Without them we wouldn't be able to achieve anything."

City businesses are also making a contribution to keep Worcester clean.

Some 70 businesses each donated £25 to purchase a £15,000 machine designed to remove the sticky business of chewing gum on surfaces.

Coun Prodger said great results could be achieved if residents in each of the 12 wards in Worcester took more responsibility for the litter in their area.

He pointed out residents in Bedwardine, who regularly get together and pick up litter in their locality, were an example to all.

He ended with this important message for the public, "Help keep your city green and safe. Don't drop it, bin it."