A blitz on litter, graffiti and fly-tipping is being launched as part of a major council drive to spruce up Southend.

Dozens of trail-blazing initiatives have been drawn up for the borough's Spring Clean week which gets under way next Thursday.

Schools, residents and companies are all being recruited to breathe new life into dank and dirty areas of the town.

It will be promoted under the slogan "We're part of it. Are you?" Elements of the new scheme include:

Repainting of bins, benches and lamp-posts

New pigeon netting under the town centre railway bridge

Removal of advertising boards from pavements

Putting pressure on owners to clear up untidy alleyways and forecourts

Repainting and cleansing of on-street cabinets owned by BT and Telewest

New aluminium recycling bins on the seafront.

A special free waste sack offer is also being placed in the spring issue of Civic News, urging residents to clean up their front gardens.

Also included in the free council newspaper will be a £5 offer, sponsored by Cory Environmental, for the removal of one item of bulky household waste.

Chief executive and town clerk, George Krawiec, said: "I believe this is an attempt by this council to rejuvenate and improve certain areas of Southend.

"It is designed to boost the quality of life for the people and engender a real pride in the town, also helping us in maintaining a good environment."

Head of environmental health, David Connor, said: "This year's initiative is just the start.

"Monies are being identified to fund the voucher scheme for garden waste; renew the railway bridge netting and provide recycling bins along the seafront with all activities being achieved within the existing budget."

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