A COUNCIL leader is promising zero tolerance against those who damage the environment.

Middlesbrough Council leader, Councillor Ken Walker, criticised people who "knowingly and wilfully trash the local environment".

He urged residents in affected areas to help beat the problem.

Coun Walker was speaking after being alerted to serious problems of rubbish and dumping in residential areas of the town centre.

A clean-up operation near a disused pub and several back streets cost the council £750.

Coun Walker, who carried out his own inspection of the areas in question, said: "What we saw was needless environmental vandalism causing unnecessary expense to council taxpayers and serious inconvenience to decent citizens.

"The people who are responsible for the mess need to know very clearly that the gloves are now off and we will tolerate their activities no longer.

"Inspecting back alleys I saw paint, mattresses, furniture, a fridge and a fire extinguisher all dumped without a thought for the mess they cause and the possible danger they pose to young people."

Coun Walker said the items had been left by people living in the area who had no regard for their environment or their neighbours.

He said: "Our message to them is that Middlesbrough has had enough of their activities and their mess.

"We are going to investigate these incidents and collect the evidence which will bring these people before the courts.

"With street wardens providing extra vigilance and fines for dumping going up to £50, we intent to put a stop to these activities.

"But to do that most effectively, we need the support of residents."

He said residents could help by reporting any incidents they saw.

The councillor added: "They can be assured of a quick response and a determination to bring the offenders to court, where they will be named, shamed and punished."