WORKMEN remove litter from a public footpath and a sofa lies abandoned at a busy bus stop -- the battle to rid the town of rubbish goes on.

The Evening News turned the spotlight on a number of notorious grot-spots when we launched our Pride of Bolton campaign a week ago. Readers have pointed out even more.

But the council and other agencies can only get to grips with grime if people get the message: "Have a bit of pride."

They are trying to tidy up but they face a constant battle against fly-tippers and litter louts.

John McHenry, the head of environmental management at Bolton MBC, said: "We are trying to promote environmental awareness and to introduce education campaigns in schools and community groups.

"We are also going to work with our partners in Greater Manchester to develop better legislation and to take out enforcement action on people littering their streets.

"People have to start having a sense of pride."

The council are playing their part -- but what about other landowners? We want to prick their conscience and we will be monitoring grotspots over the coming months.

Hundreds of Boltonians already care about their home town and many of them have written letters in support our campaign.

Residents like Alma Cooper of the Merton Estate, Deane, told us they were appalled by some of the sights they see near their homes every day.

She said. "I was born in this area but I don't feel proud of it any more because it's such a mess. I feel ashamed of inviting my friends here.

"Some people dump their rubbish in the gardens of empty houses and the streets are full of litter. It's shameful."

Another resident who cares about his neighbourhood is 79-year-old George Brown of Farnworth.

He said: "Not a month goes by without the Bolton Evening News printing an article or a letter about litter.

"It is too easy to blame the council for the problem, although I sometimes feel they could do a better job of cleaning up.

"The culprits are clearly the litter louts. People need to show more pride in their community."