COUNCIL leader Mike Oborski was quite happy to be "flooded-out" this week as the public responded in droves to the call to clean up the district.

However the leader of Wyre Forest District Council was only referring to the vast amount of calls responding to the clean-up campaign launched last week rather than any deluge flooding his town hall office.

The authority, in association with the Shuttle/Times & News, is planning to clean up the district and change attitudes and behaviour towards litter and graffiti.

And the public have wasted no time in responding to Mr Oborski's call for them to have their say.

He said: "I have had several dozen calls already which shows a tremendous response from the public - I have literally been flooded out with inquiries.

"People's main concerns are those already highlighted such as graffiti, litter and overgrown grass verges but it shows we are on the same wavelength."

The authority is preparing a war chest to rid the area of eyesores such as ugly, unsightly scrapheaps, shabby, derelict buildings, graffiti-ridden walls and litter-ridden, overgrown grass verges.

Its policy advisory group made a firm commitment to back the clean-up at a meeting on Monday.

While the authority will look at investing cash in practical measures such as an upgrade in litter-busting services it also stressed the need to educate the public to act more responsibly in caring for the environment.

Other ideas to be discussed include involving schools and other agencies in the campaign.

The authority is still keen to hear public feedback on areas of concern and suggestions for improving the district before it starts planning its budget later this month.

Anyone with suggestions should call Wyre Forest District Council on 01562 820505 or Mr Oborski on 01562 732167.