Croydon Council has launched a new campaign in partnership with the Croydon Guardian aiming to help clean up the borough.

The Keep It Clean campaign aims to improve the environment around Croydon, by encouraging residents to treat the borough's streets and open spaces as they would their own home.

By encouraging the community to work together through initiatives like community clean-ups, it is hoped Croydon's neighbourhoods and high streets will become free of litter, fly-tipping, cigarette butts, dog fouling and graffiti.

While the council has vowed to get tough on those who flout litter laws.

To coincide with the launch of the campaign, Croydon Council has pledged an extra £100,000 to keeping the streets clean and plan to invest a further £200,000 next year, which will be used to take action against those caught littering or illegally dumping rubbish.

In the coming weeks the campaign will be highlighting services the council provides that will help to keep Croydon clean.

Over the festive period this includes services to collect and recycle wrapping paper and food waste after Christmas and where you can dispose of household items if you plan to start the new year with a clear-out.

Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said: "We are doing what we can to provide value-for money services, but keeping our streets clean is a two-way thing, so we are asking you to help us to help you.

"Dropping litter and fly-tipping are not just bad for the environment but they cost us money. At the same time, rest assured we are tracking down culprits and getting tough by issuing penalties and, where appropriate we are prosecuting them. They will be named and shamed if they break the law."

The spotlight will also be put on residents who take pride in Croydon, and individuals, groups and clubs participating in the Keep It Clean campaign will feature in the Croydon Guardian and on the Keep it Clean Facebook page.

Croydon North MP Steve Reed said: "The state of the streets is not up to the standard residents expect or deserve I think the campaign is a very good idea."

For more information visit croydon.gov.uk/keepitclean or facebook.com/ilovecroydon.

Follow the campaign at Croydonguardian.co.uk/keepitclean