Telegraph launches campaign to get tough on area's 'grot spots'

By [spalmer] sarah palmer assistant news editor sarah.palmer@gsmg.co.uk

LET us help you turn a Grot Spot into a Hot Spot!

Today, we are launching our New Year campaign to clean up our town – and we have already got the backing of North East Lincolnshire Council.

Getting involved couldn't be simpler. If you spot an area that is being used as a dumping ground that needs cleaning up, contact our newsroom and let us know.

We'll be out as quick as a flash to get a picture of the evidence – whether it's a mountain of mattresses, a wasteland of white-goods or a carpet of cans.

You can also give us details of any unsightly areas by leaving your comments on this story.

We will pass them on to the council and, if it is responsible for the land, it has pledged to get along in double-quick time and get your Grot Spot looking like a Hot Spot again.

Grimsby Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor said: "Following on with what we've done with New Horizons to clear up the area we want to try and make the authorities aware of any areas that are concerning the public.

"We pledge to pass on any details you give us to the council to ensure Grimsby is looking its best for 2009."

To get you started, our eagle-eyed photographers have been out and about looking for areas in need of a spring clean, and have already spotted these two eyesores.

Mountains of rubbish have been dumped at the rear of a boarded up shop on the corner of Grimsby's Stanley Street and Oxford Street.

And just look at the state of this alleyway that leads from Wellingtion Street to the rear of the shops on Convamore Road.

Tony Neul, the council's acting deputy director for neighbourhood services, said: "During the last year, the council has been getting increasingly tough on fly-tippers and we want to continue that.

"As has always been the case, we will respond quickly to any reports of fly-tipping or litter grotspots through our street cleaning crews and enforcement teams.

"We would encourage residents to either inform our neighbourhood services team by calling (01472) 313131 or by responding to the Telegraph's campaign. We take fly-tipping across the borough very seriously and will respond to any reports we receive."

Our campaign also has the support of NELC's portfolio holder for the environment, Coun Martin Vickers.

He said: "We welcome this campaign. Anything that can alert the council quickly to problems is helpful and we can then take immediate action."

Contact us:

You can tell us about your local Grot Spots by calling the newsroom on (01472) 372236, emailing http://newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or by leaving your comments right here.