A CRACKDOWN on a town's litter louts could be on the way.

Middlesbrough Council's executive is being urged to consider increasing the number of fines issued and to "target areas where standards are poor and greater enforcement can be applied".

Street cleaning in the town has been the subject of a nine-month investigation by a council scrutiny panel.

Its aim was to examine the efficiency of the service and its effectiveness in responding to public concerns.

Councillors said the impact of a rapid reaction force and litter hotspot teams had been significant, and said the cleaning up of 200 fly-tipping sites was one of their triumphs.

There has also been a reduction in fly-poster removals from 200 to 28 a week because of effective enforcement.

More street cleaners with brooms could be seen in Middlesbrough, because the panel is not convinced the increase in mechanical cleaners is the most effective or economical way to clean streets.

The panel interviewed workers and managers, carried out inspections and compared their practices with a neighbouring authority.

Among 22 recommendations are proposals to educate people to keep the town clean by working more with schools and community groups.

Another issue being considered is how to improve morale among the cleaning staff.