STREET cleaning chiefs have hit out at residents for having a selfish attitude to dropping litter.

The damning comments are revealed in a report titled How Clean is Richmondshire, compiled as part of a review of street cleaning methods by Richmondshire District Council.

Mike Slee, contracting services unit manager for the council, said: "The attitude of the general public has declined.

"Most have a very selfish attitude and do not care about the cleanliness of the environment or the effect it has on other people."

Mr Slee said a trail of litter spread out in every direction from most fast food outlets in the district.

He added that his litter-picking staff would often look behind to see people dropping litter on areas they had just cleaned.

Mr Slee said more money was needed to employ extra staff and buy more equipment if environmental standards in the district were to be improved.