A DALTON family have been picking up litter around the town.

Julie Davis, and her kids Courtney, 19, Eleanor, 6, alongside baby sister Rosie as well as Courtney's friend, Miesha, 20, have taken it upon themselves to clean up the recent spate of litter around King Street.

The family have been out every day this week, as they try to make a difference to the community.

Julie said: “We have decided to pick up the litter to help clean our town. It is a mess. It’s also a great exercise for the children – they have loved picking the litter up. Everyone that sees us in the town thanks us.”

Dave Taylor, chairman of Dalton Community Action, has praised Julie and her children, but is frustrated with the rise in litter across Dalton.

He has criticised FCC Environment and is calling for a permanent street cleaner in the town.

Dave argued: “It has been an ongoing issue for months and months. We are still fighting for a permanent street cleaner in Dalton. I don’t know why we can’t have one – we had one in the past. When we complain, the FCC come back and do a good job, but then we don’t see them for a while. Even when the binmen empty the bins – whatever they drop out of the bin just gets left on the floor. It’s a people problem, too. People shouldn’t be throwing litter on the floor. People need to start using the bins again – if you see a bit of litter, pick it up and put it in the bin.”

Barrow Borough Council leader Ann Thomson, has revealed the body are now looking at measures to combat litter.

Cllr Thomson said: “A full suite of cleaning services are in place for Dalton, as they are in other parts of the borough. This includes a mechanical clean of the streets every week and the emptying of litter bins by our contractor six days a week. Our team carries out regular patrols of the area so that we can tackle any accumulating or fly tipped waste as quickly as possible. In addition, we are currently looking at an anti-litter strategy for the whole borough which will include making sure suitable bins are located in the right places. Obviously, we would urge people to be responsible with litter - please place it in a bin or take it home. If litter or waste has been left in a public place, please report this to the council as soon as possible so that we can address problems as they arise.”

To report fly tipping, visit the council website.