A NEW legal tool to help crack down on litter is being deployed in Richmondshire for the first time.

The district council has issued its first Litter Control Area Designation Order, which gives it the legal right to ensure that a privately-owned area is kept free from rubbish.

The order applies to the Richmondshire Walk area of Catterick Garrison, which includes retail space, car parks, delivery areas and a public footpath.

Its upkeep is the responsibility of a management company, while the two largest retailers - Tesco and McDonalds - are responsible for their own areas.

"We have received numerous complaints from residents about overflowing litter bins, discarded fast food containers and general rubbish in this area," said Councillor Bill Glover, the ward member for Colburn.

"However, because it is privately-owned land, we have not had the authority to ensure that it is cleaned up."

He said: "We tried to get the situation resolved by talking to the various parties involved but when that didn't work, the council was left with no choice but to issue a Litter Control Order."

Under the order, the council can request the removal of litter and impose other actions that will prevent its return, such as increasing the number of litter bins.

Failure to comply with such requests could result in prosecution and fines.