A REDDITCH councillor is championing cleaner streets in Winyates and Matchborough.

Brandon Clayton has secured trials of a new mechanical sweeper on the east side of the town to clear up any grass and litter left behind by the regular mowing maintenance team.

Residents in Colts Lane, Badger Close and Lowlands Lane will be the first to benefit from the trial this week.

Mr Clayton said he had also held a series of meetings with Redditch Council landscaping staff and there would now be a new emphasis on tidying up as well as cutting grass and hedges.

He said: "The back-up sweeper should help to raise standards and make the local environment cleaner and tidier.

"Underpasses, bus stops, paths and estate roads in Matchborough and Winyates should all benefit from this schedule until May 2004."

Mr Clayton added: "We'll review the results then."