THE chairman of a crime fighting group is urging people in Darlington to have more respect for their surroundings and stop dropping litter.

Brian Pavey, chairman of Darlington Rural Watch, is concerned that rural routes, parks and paths are strewn with litter.

He said: "I just feel that Darlington is becoming a right tip and we need to stop it before we reach the point of no return. People need to take more care and the council needs to do more to get the place cleaned up."

A council spokesman said that for the past two years a litter campaign had been in place, with a hotline and quick response team to deal with problem areas reported by the public.

The council's uniformed wardens are targeting the town's parks to encourage people not to drop litter.

To report litter or fly-tipping call the council hotline on (01325) 388777.