A HEREFORD Times-backed campaign to rid the county's towns and villages of litter ahead of the summer will get underway next week.

The Big Herefordshire Clean-up is the first major countywide campaign tackling litter problems and aims to get Hereford and the market towns looking their best before the Britain in Bloom judges arrive in early July.

Hereford in Bloom and the city’s Close House youth group are behind the project.

Rita Bishop, one of the Hereford in Bloom volunteers who is co-ordinating the clean-up operation, said: “Recent letters in the Hereford Times have all complained about the litter strewn roads and streets across the county and the harm it does to the vital tourist trade.

"It's time for the public to take action and tackle the rubbish menace."

Individuals, community groups such as scouts and youth clubs, schools and colleges are being urged to take up the challenge between June 13 and 20.

There will be prizes for the most litter collected and delivered to Hereford's Old Market for a weigh-in between 11am and 2pm on July 20.

But, long-term, Mrs Bishop said people have to be educated to stop dropping litter or throwing it out of their cars and those who are caught must be heavily penalised for what is 'one of the worst kinds of anti-social behaviour'.

"We particularly want to get youngsters involved as they represent the future. The teenagers from Close House youth group have already set a good example by taking the initiative and doing a litter pick in the city centre a few weeks ago," she added.

Schoolchildren are also being asked to design a litter bug logo to promote the campaign, with prizes for the most original. Entries can be sent to Jane Denny, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 OLE by Monday (June 15).

Community spirited individuals or groups are also being urged to be part of the Britain in Bloom’s national ‘Grey to Green’ campaign to adopt an untidy or overgrown space in their neighbourhood and turn it into an attractive feature.

Before and after photographs should be sent to vanessa@ballances.net

Full details of Operation Clean-up can be found at herefordinbloom.co.uk or by contacting rita.mary.bishop@gmail.com for more information or advice on health and safety issues involved in litter picking.