BIN it for Bolton is back for 2007. Today we call on readers to join our crusade to clear the streets of rubbish and put pride back in our town.

Our campaign is backed by comedian Dave Spikey and Andrew Dickson, the new chairman of Bolton Town Centre management, who played a key role in the original Bin it for Bolton campaign in 2004. Mr Dickson said: "There can hardly be a road in Bolton that isn't soiled with the evidence of what thoughtless people we have become.

"The problem is big and it's going to get bigger. Bin It For Bolton 2004 created some waves and we managed to get a whole load of initiatives off the ground, but things have deteriorated since then."

We are asking residents to log onto our website and report grot spots in the borough. Readers can also write with information about their nominated spot or contact us by telephone.

We will then highlight areas of concern to Bolton Council and work with them, and community groups in the area, to help clear the streets of junk and rubbish - and restore some pride in our town.

Phoenix Nights star and comedian Dave Spikey gave his backing to our call.

He said: "This is our town and we need to need it clean. The message we need to get across is: Don't be a sinner - be a binner!' "

Dozens of readers have already contacted The Bolton News naming and shaming the places they think are in desperate need of a clean-up.

Michael, from Bolton, wrote: "Sure, it's the council's job to deal with this, but the ultimate responsibility is everyone's.

"I am so sick of the careless littering of the streets that you see daily, not only in Bolton, but across most of the UK - that it is one of the main reasons behind my plans to move elsewhere.

"The culture of someone else's problem' has got to come to an end or we will all be living in a toilet. And it will be no more than we deserve."

Readers have also called for more bins in Bolton town centre, more council clean teams on the streets and tougher action to be taken against litterbugs.

Figures show that more than 1,000 people have been issued with £50 on-the-spot fines for littering and dog fouling in Bolton since 2004.

And from May 1, the penalty will go up to £75.

Cllr John Byrne, Bolton Council's executive member for the environment, said: "The campaign worked really well last time, so I think it's great news that it's being re-launched.

"We all have to take responsibility for our environment. I'm always horrified when I see people sitting on a bench eating burgers and leaving the packaging on the ground when there is a bin next to them. We need to stop that sort of behaviour and educate people."

The campaign has also won the support of both the opposition environment spokesmen.

Conservative Cllr John Walsh said: "This campaign is a fabulous idea. It's very depressing when litter is so prevalent in our town centre and I think chewing gum is getting worse."

Cllr Walsh said the key was to educate young people to use bins and to urge them in turn to teach their elders.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Roger Hayes said: "I'm very happy to support this campaign "The thoughtless people who throw their litter on the ground should realise how much it costs the council to pick it up and how much we could reduce council tax if they disposed of their rubbish properly.

Steve Hughes, Editor of The Bolton News, said: "Bin it for Bolton was a great success in 2004 and we want to replicate that in 2007. Bolton is our town - let's make it a town to be proud of."

  • To report a grot spot in your area, email Anna or send letters to: Bin it for Bolton 2007, The Bolton News, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE or call 01204 537 259.