THE town which inspired the launch of The Northern Echo's Shopping For A Future campaign is having a big clean up.

Traders from Bishop Auckland joined forces with the newspaper earlier this year to promote a better future for town centres.

Now they are organising a two-week cleaning operation, beginning on Monday, to mark the start of the Bin It Campaign.

Wear Valley District Council has brought in Colchester Gum Removal to remove chewing gum off the town centre streets, pavements, seats and tables.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The town is a mess. I had visitors recently and I was ashamed to bring them here.''

Equipment to remove the gum and clean the streets will be brought to the town tomorrow.

Part of the equipment will be specialist high-power pressure hoses designed to remove chewing gum.

New town centre manager Derek Toon said: "If we are to attract visitors to the town, we must ensure that it is attractive and welcoming to them.

"If the streets are covered in litter, cigarette ends, graffiti and chewing gum, people will take one look and go elsewhere.

"This campaign will ensure the town is clean and tidy for residents and visitors alike."

Mr Toon was joined by Bishop Auckland Councillor Margaret Jones as he distributed posters for traders to display in shop windows.

She said: "Litter and chewing gum have always been a problem in Bishop Auckland. I hope this campaign is successful, because we do need to feel pride in the town.

"Visitors coming and seeing a litter-strewn, dirty town centre is not a good image when we are trying to promote the town.''

It is hoped that the clean-up, which is targeting Newgate Street, the Market Place and Bondgate, will encourage shoppers to use the bins that are provided in the area instead of throwing their litter on the floor.

Claire Dowson, from Cameo Fine Arts, said that the campaign was just what the town needed.

"A cleaner town centre can only be better for business," she said.