THE work of a late councillor in inspiring a joint initiative to tackle grot spots in Crewe has been highlighted.

Cheshire East Council announced last week that in partnership with Crewe Town Council it was sprucing up 26 streets and alleyways in central areas of town.

Section 46 notices have been issued to residents in the areas, which include Walthall Street, Ruskin Road and Westminster Street, spelling out penalties for waste offences.

The summer-long campaign will target the perpetrators of antisocial activities such as fly-tipping and contamination of bins.

The project is seen as a major success in the fight against environmental crime and Labour Councillors say it is the culmination of several years of lobbying by Crewe residents.

Crewe South councillor Steve Hogben said: "This pilot is the result of about six years of hard work bringing this problem to the top of the agenda. Labour has actually tackled the problem in a systematic fashion.

"The most notable contribution to this work came from the late Brian Roberts, who actually launched the borough council's work to get the different departments and stakeholders to work together when he took over the highways and waste portfolio in May 2019 - but all the Crewe borough councillors have been involved at some point."

Former community activist Gary Palin, now a town councillor, has also been credited along with Cllr John Rhodes in pressing for a major tidy-up.

"This initiative is a prime example of how Labour Councillors are engaging with local residents to help make sure our streets are kept clean and safe. We look forward to working with the local community on similar projects going forward with a view to improving the environment in which we all live," said Crewe Central councillor Anthony Critchley.