TIME'S almost up for the grot spots.

We've handed over a dossier containing details of the eyesores in your neighbourhood to council officials.

And they've pledged to tidy as many as they can - as quickly as possible. Each week we'll report how they're getting on.

"It's great that so many people care so much about their environment," said Guardian editor Nicola Dufty. "We're delighted to be able to work with Vale Royal Borough Council to clear up the grot spots."

Dozens of readers have rung in to point out a problem patch in their community. We've already printed lots of your comments but we still want to hear from you.

The grot spot campaign was one of the winning suggestions from the Guardian/Brunner Mond 125 Challenge. The contest was designed to find the best ways of improving the town to mark the chemical giant's 125th anniversary.

And Margaret Johnson, who suggested the idea, has pointed out an eyesore of her own.

The Crescent resident wants some of the town's riverside paths tidying up. She said that if you go towards the Dane on the path from the viaduct on London Road, the waterside walks in both directions are ruined by overgrown bushes and rubbish.

"There's a concrete bin behind the football ground which is always overflowing because it's too small," she added.

Another caller complained about the state of Vicarage Walk. She said overhanging trees almost obscure the river, benches have been ripped up and drug users roam the area at night.

"It's terrible, it's in a disgusting state, I used to walk there every day, it ought to be looked into," she said.

Some of this week's other grot spots are:

Old Saxon's Lane in Greenbank: the track leading from Highbank Road to Chester Road has been in a dismal state for years. It used to be very important to Northwich, because it led to Pimblott's Yard.

Moss Road, Winnington: the area between the iron bridge and the start of the housing on the right of Cromwell Road is overgrown.

The alley between Braemar Avenue and Belmont Road in Rudheath: the path is disgusting with six foot high weeds, damaged fencing and overgrown hedges.

If you want to point out a grot spot, ring Vivien Kandel on 01606 43333 or pop into our office on Market Street.

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