THE HOUNSLOW Chronicle today launches its campaign to Clean Up Our Borough.

Having been inundated with letters about litter-strewn streets from Feltham to Chiswick in recent weeks, we decided it was time to investigate the issue.

Pictures taken on one afternoon by Chronicle photographer Matt Grayson show just how bad the problem has become.

Over coming weeks we will be looking at exactly who and what is to blame for grot spots across the borough.

We also want to hear your ideas about what can be done to make Hounslow smarter and restore people’s pride in the borough, so please get in touch.

Hounslow Council’s director of environment Mike Jordan said: “We’re happy to support the Chronicle’s campaign to clean up the borough’s streets. We know residents want to live and work in neighbourhoods they can be proud of – we want that too.

“Our new £800million highways maintenance and street cleansing contract begins in January when residents will start to see big improvements in the quality of roads and pavements appearance of the local environment. But we also want to make improvements now.

“Dealing with litter, fly-tipping and graffiti is a top priority for the council. These problems are the result of selfish, unthinking actions of individuals, so would also urge people to be more responsible and help keep Hounslow clean.

“Last year we spent £3.5million picking up the litter from the borough’s streets, £344,500 clearing graffiti and fly-posting, and £80,000 cleaning up fly-tipping – money we’d rather spend on other essential services for local people.

“We want people to report any grot spots to us on our dedicated Grimebusters hotline 020 8583 3344 or at www.hounslow.gov.uk/grimebusters so we can take action and start the clear up."

The rubbish covered wasteland opposite the derelict North Star pub (pictured below) in North Hyde Lane, Heston, is typical of the grot spots blighting our borough.

Sharon Goode, of nearby Rostrevor Gardens, first complained about the improvised dumping ground several weeks ago but said the council was not prepared to do anything as it was private land.

However, when we contacted the council this week a spokesman said it had been able to identify the land owner and had been in touch about clearing up the site.

“They have promised to do this in the next few weeks, so we hope local people will soon see an improvement,” added the spokesman.

Mrs Goode said she was glad action was being taken but remained disappointed at the general decline in cleanliness since she came to the borough nearly 40 years ago.

“Hounslow’s got so much dirtier over the years I’ve lived here,” said the 54-year-old former dinner lady.

“I think the council needs to do more to keep the streets clean.

“Sites like this give visitors the wrong impression and don’t encourage people, especially schoolchildren, to take pride in their neighbourhood.”