A grab lorry with a mechanical arm was the latest weapon deployed by Harrow Council's blitz team when it cleaned up a leafy suburban street blighted by litter louts and fly-tippers.
Harrow Council, in a campaign supported by the Harrow Observer series, wants you to help identify a dirty dozen of the worst graffiti-daubed walls, fly-tippers' favourite spots or litterbug havens.
As the worst offenders are identified a council team will go and blitz the 'dirty dozen'.
The Gardens, West Harrow, has become the fifth of 12 'grotspots' the council will clean up by the end of the year.
The squad removed bundles of rotting newspapers weighing more than 1,500kg and assorted rubbish including cans, bottles and crisp packets strewn along the pathway.
A wider problem in the area is fly-tipping behind the fence under the nearby railway bridge.
The area is Network Rail's responsibility and the council has contacted them to try to resolve the issue.
The area was nominated by Kate O'Brien, of Radnor Road, Harrow.
Mrs O'Brien walks along the route when taking her children to and from school.
She said: "I am really pleased the council has decided to tackle this area.
"It's such a beautiful part of the borough, and it's a real shame that irresponsible people have turned it into an eyesore."
Councillor Susan Hall, Harrow Council portfolio holder for environment services, said: "The Grotspot Campaign is gaining momentum and we are making real progress.
"Our message is simple: it's not about cleaning up these areas in the short-term but addressing the root cause of the problem."
Fly-tipping prosecutions can result in two years in jail or a fine of up to £50,000, or both. * To report fly-tipping in your area contact Access Harrow on 020 8863 5611.
All you need to do to nominate your local area for a clean up is cut out and fill in the coupon, sending it to the address below.
Alternatively, fill in the council's online survey at www.harrow.gov.uk/grotspot or follow the link to our Facebook group at www.harrowobserver.co.uk where you can post your nominations, comments and pictures.
Please note that nominations will not be accepted for private property.
