THE streets and surroundings of Lymm should be kept cleaner in future, thanks to a new initiative launched by the borough council.

That's the hope of members of Lymm Parish Council who spoke to the new street scene team at last week's meeting.

The team came to the parish council meeting to get an idea of the areas in Lymm that need the most attention, so they can go out and begin the clean-up process.

Phil Chadwick, street scene co-ordinator, told councillors that the team, which cleans streets and maintains parks and green spaces, needed the help of the community to target the places that need the most attention.

He said "We need to engage with the community and address their concerns so we can give priorities.

"Once we have met with people and seen what their problems are you will see the improvements because services will be delivered to meet those needs.

"We need people to see that we are trying to make a difference and that we are making a difference because it is the community that gives us our focus."

He explained that a more 'joined up' approach to cleaning will be needed in the village to avoid problems that are currently caused if street cleaners come out the day before bin collectors.

And he added that one of the main targets will be to clean areas to such an extent that people dropping litter will be shamed into changing their habits.

Clr Paul Littler said: "One of the worst hit areas is Cherry Lane where paper gets stuck in the hedgerows and that takes up a lot of manpower to remove it."

Parish councillors will now draw up a list of the worst hit areas and the borough council also hopes to hear from residents associations and community group.