THE foundations are being laid for a new partnership which aims to clear up a litter-strewn beauty spot overlooking the River Swale.

Mayor of Richmond Coun Stuart Parsons promised he would dedicate his year in office to generating a sense of civic pride in the community.

Since his declaration, both scouts and guides have joined an army of volunteers in a series of clean-up operations.

The latest litter sweep was on the sheer-sided slopes beneath the walls of Richmond Castle.

The litter-pick, at the beginning of the month, showed just how much rubbish had accumulated among the brambles and shrubs over the winter months.

Coun Parsons has now appealed for reinforcements among the community to take the litter problem in hand.

He said: "We cleaned as much as we could without killing ourselves.

"We even recovered one of the vandalised serpent benches and a computer from the undergrowth, but there is a lot more to do.

"I have asked the members of the Swaledale Outdoor Club for their assistance but we are also appealing for help from English Heritage and the district council.

Coun Parsons said: "On the walk towards the Cockpit Garden end of the castle, there is some damage caused to the path itself which I assume is caused by the tree roots.

"I am concerned, if we are not careful, it could even undermine the walls of the castle."

Richmondshire District Council environment chief Sean Little said the authority cleaned the walkways and emptied the litter dustbins along Castle Walk regularly.

But he stressed there was little the council do on the slopes beneath the castle because the council does not own the land.

A spokeswoman for castle owners, English Heritage, said the organisation had always been keen to involve itself in projects which help to generate civic pride.

She said English Heritage would welcome an approach from both Coun Parsons and the town council.

She said: "We would like very much to hear what they have to say and what help they are looking for.

"We could then decide if we are in a position to help."