A winding Harrow lane marred by overgrown shrubbery, fallen leaves and graffiti became the second of 12 'grotspots' Harrow Council will blitz by the end of the year.

The council, in a campaign supported by the Harrow Observer series, wants people to help identify a 'dirty dozen' of the worst graffitidaubed walls, flytippers' favourite spots or litterbug havens.

As the worst offenders are identified a council team will go and blitz the dirty dozen.

The council will tackle one grotspot every week from now until Christmas as part of its borough-wide pledge to provide clean streets and a green environment for residents.

Jolly's Lane, off Lower Road, became the second offender of the dirty dozen to be tackled by the council's Envirocrime team.

The squad used garden strimmers to tame the undergrowth, raked up 10 bags of leaves - which are destined for West London Composting and will be turned into soil enhancer - picked up litter and used high-tech hoses to blast graffiti from residents' wheelie bins and fences.

The area was nominated by a resident who has lived near the lane for more than 40 years.

Shirley Reed, of Lower Lane, was on hand to see the team in action and said: "I am so pleased the council has chosen my nomination, and it's the first time the lane has received attention for quite some while.

"In the autumn leaves are a huge problem and graffiti is frequently drawn on wheelie bins."

Mrs Reed added: "Today, the area has not only been brightened up but the pathway is easier to walk on."

Councillor Susan Hall, portfolio holder for environment services, said: "I've listened to Mrs Reed's concerns and I'm glad the area has been brought to my attention.

"Going forward to ensure the lane is kept in good condition, our Community Payback team will visit it at least twice a year."

The closing date for grotspot nominations is November 30. However, the council is already considering suggestions, so get your responses in early.

All you need do to nominate your local area for a clean-up is fill in and cut out the coupon below, sending it to the address shown. Alternatively, just click on the link and fill in the council's online survey: 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: nominations will not be accepted for privately-owned property.