EMBLAZONED with the Cleaner Ipswich hotline number a new vehicle is part of a massive increase in funding in the war against grime.The borough council has already invested in new, bigger litter bins in the town centre and has doubled its success rate in the battle against abandoned cars.

EMBLAZONED with the Cleaner Ipswich hotline number a new vehicle is part of a massive increase in funding in the war against grime.

The borough council has already invested in new, bigger litter bins in the town centre and has doubled its success rate in the battle against abandoned cars.

From April this year it is to spend another £80,000 on street cleaning and has cut through red tape to get things done quickly.

This campaign is a partnership between the council and Evening Star readers who are helping workers clean up the streets and increase people's pride in their town.

An average of 15 calls are made daily to the hotline. Calls are prioritised and sometimes investigation is required. Action is taken the same day wherever possible and all matters have been dealt with in no more than four days. This new vehicle will help to reduce the time taken to respond to hotline enquiries still further.

Ipswich is not a filthy place but in common with all towns and cities there is a problem with litter, abandoned cars and fly-posting.

A council spokesman said: "When people drop litter in the street the council picks it up but it is the council tax-payer who picks up the bill. We want people to think before they drop litter and then drop it in the bin."

The Cleaner Ipswich campaign was launched after community surveys showed that tidying up the town was high on the list of residents' priorities for this year.

The Cleaner Ipswich hotline number is 01473 433000.

These are some of the weapons the Council is using in the war against grime:

Ipswich Borough Council employs a team of street sweepers throughout the town on a 365 days a year basis.

They cover 1,220 roads with 400 miles of footways.

Litter bins are emptied throughout the day.

24-hour cover is provided in the case of emergencies such as clearing up glass after a traffic accident.

The Council has invested £50,000 in new litter bins in the town centre.

The Council is clearing away nearly 100 cars a month and local people are taking advantage of the hotline.

Tell us where the wrecks are and we'll do the rest.

The Council employs an officer to crack down on irresponsible pet owners who allow their dogs to foul paths and parks.

The Council co-ordinates a "Dogwatch" scheme and officers hand out on the spot fines of £25 to people who refuse to clean up after their dogs.

If they refuse to pay and go to court they face a penalty of up to £1,000.