A battle to rid a town's streets of rubbish is being stepped up with the introduction of a litter-fighting team.

From this week, the four-strong Neighbourhood Environmental Enforcement Team (Neet), will patrol the streets of 14 wards belonging to Middlesbrough's Neighbourhood Renewal area.

Using high-tech surveillance equipment, it will target litter, dog fouling, abandoned vehicles and other environmental problems and confront those responsible.

The initiative follows Middlesbrough Borough Council's introduction of £25 fines for those caught littering.

The team is funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and forms part of the public protection and planning service.

Commissioner for neighbourhood renewal, Councillor Michael Carr, who will launch the team today in North Ormesby, said: "Residents, particularly in areas like North Ormesby, want us to ensure that streets and open spaces are clean and tidy. Like the council, they will not accept neighbourhood abuse.

"By reducing the rubbish that is dumped, we can reduce the time we take to remove fly tipping. The money we save can be reinvested to enhance the appearance of neighbourhoods."

The team is the latest weapon in a programme of environmental improvements by the council. Already, it has begun to introduce better lighting, closed-circuit television cameras and alley gates. In the future, warden patrols will be carried out.

Coun Carr is confident the developments have popular support.

He said: "Our work involves targeting the minority of irresponsible people and firms who spoil the environment for the majority," he said.

"We have a firm but fair approach, and people can help us by reporting any problems they see."

In the past 18 months, the council has issued more than 100 fixed penalty notices to litter louts. While he welcomed this, assistant commissioner for the environment, Councillor Abdul Hamid, said there was room for improvement.

"Every penalty shows that a serious incident of littering has been dealt with," he said. "We are noticing an improvement, and the new team will boost our efforts."

The environmental enforcement team can be contacted on (01642) 264050.