READERS have been getting behind our clean-up campaign aimed at sprucing up the streets of Worcester.

Take Pride in Worcester was launched by your Worcester News, in conjunction with Worcester City Council and VisitWorcester on Tuesday.

As well as highlighting the problem of litter and graffiti, the campaign encourages readers to call a special phone number and report grot spots.

In return Worcester City Council has vowed to clean up the grot spots within two working days, if the problem is on council land.

Readers are also being urged to get out and about cleaning up their local areas.

And comments on your Worcester News website show we’re not the only ones who want our city to look its best.

Jabbadad, Worcester, said: “But we all should take pride in where we live, and even though we haven’t dropped a particular litter, we can still pick it up. I do frequently.”

Malvern, Malvern, said: “A good thing everyone could do is to pick up three pieces of litter a day.”

But some are concerned the burden will fall on the same shoulders as always.

skychip, Worcester, said: “What a wonderful idea. Trouble is, it will only be the people who do not drop the litter clearing it up – the others will still continue to drop it.”

People have already been pointing out their grot spots and discussing the best ways to clean up Worcester.

The area around Tesco Express in London Road and the bins outside the Odeon cinema, Foregate Street, as well as the bins in Ombersley Road and Gheluvelt Park have all been highlighted as spots where the council could send their teams. Some readers feel those on unpaid work should be sent litter picking – much like Boy George was forced to do not so long ago in New York, as Malvern, Malvern, pointed out.

Others have also looked to America for inspiration on tackling the litter problem.

Jabbadad, Worcester, said: “Around the Seattle area you seen signs along the roads saying this highway is sponsored by... and the name appears on the board. The sponsors get the kudos (very American) and the roads and pavements get cleaned.”

But one reader was keen to point out how much volunteers already do to keep Worcester clean.

varien, Worcester, said: “In fact the majority of the public would be surprised just how much of the Worcester suburbs and the surrounding countryside is kept free of litter by courtesy of the Duckworth Trust volunteers.”

To report a grot spot to the council call 01905 722 101. The authority promises to have it cleaned up within two working days.
• Click here for more on the Take Pride campaign and to upload your own grot spot pictures.