RESIDENTS of the east Cleveland town of Marske say their community is playing second fiddle to neighbouring Saltburn.

Eric Henderson, 78, has lived in Marske for 25 years and thinks the town is Saltburn's poor relation in terms of street cleaning, litter and weeds.

He said: "The people of Marske are just a little envious of the better environmental quality of the neighbours."

Particular areas of concern are grass verges at Hummershill Lane which are cut but not tidied up, rubbish on the road from Errington Primary School to the library, and floral displays in front of the shops being spoilt by weeds.

Mr Henderson said: "There is a responsibility on the residents and young people of Marske, on those who drop litter indiscriminately, irrespective of bins within a few yards, and on those of us who do not ask the culprit to bin it.

"Perhaps a concerted effort can, at least, attempt to emulate the fine example of Saltburn."

Val Goodwill, treasurer of Marske Residents' Association, agreed with Mr Henderson, but said a lot had been done in the 18 months since the organisation had been created.

She said: "We are prepared to do the work, and if people will back us, the council will provide us with bags and gloves. It is getting people interested in Marske to do it."

But Joan Guy, chairwoman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, said she did not think Marske was Saltburn's poor neighbour.

"When it comes to organising things in Saltburn, people rally round for help, and you have to have that sort of community commitment from people who are prepared to work."

She said the parish council had employed a parish warden for the past four years to help with such problems.

"When I was down there it looked fine to me, but if the people who live there think it needs a tidy-up they should organise one. It is down to people in the town to want to do it."

Anyone interested in volunteering to help should ring (01642) 472222.