A SPRING-CLEAN is to help restore pride in part of Middlesbrough.

The event in Whinney Banks, West Lane and Newport is part of the approach to tackle rubbish dumping, fly-tipping, graffiti, dog fouling and abandoned cars by West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) .

It is a partnership with staff from Middlesbrough Council's Streetscene Service, including refuse collectors, street cleaners, litter pickers and enforcement officers.

Council street wardens and trust community workers will also help.

Cleveland Police's crime prevention unit and the council's Communities Against Drugs Team will have a mobile unit in each area throughout the event, which will cover everything from roads and pavements to alleyways and open spaces.

The nine-day event starts with three days in Newport, beginning tomorrow, before moving on to West Lane for three days, starting on February 17, and Whinney Banks for three days on March 16.

Organiser Karen Lapsley, of WMNT, said: "I am a west Middlesbrough resident and I, for one, want to live in a place of which we can all be proud.

"Most streets in the area are clean and well-maintained but there are pockets of areas that do need attention and they are spoiling the good overall appearance.

"We hope that once the spring clean has been carried out, residents will maintain that level of cleanliness."