LANDLORDS across Darlington are being urged to help council chiefs take action against litter louts.

The borough council is stepping up its anti-litter drive by contacting 50 landlords and housing associations, and asking them to ensure their tenants do not litter back lanes and streets.

Officers from the authority are asking landlords to provide tenants with details of refuse collection days for their particular property and remind tenants of the importance of placing refuse in secured refuse bags at designated places.

They also want landlords to advise tenants of other refuse services provided by the council, and ensure agreements which require tenants to keep their premises clean and tidy are enforced.

They will also be encouraged to ensure premises are kept litter free when tenants move out and that any litter or bulky waste, such as furniture, is disposed of correctly.

As part of the council initiative to clean up the town centre and residential areas, more than 300 fines of £50 have been issued for littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling since the campaign, which is being supported by The Northern Echo, was launched in November.

Keith Atkinson, the authority's assistant director of public protection, said he was hoping for widespread support for the latest move.

"We are contacting a number of landlords to ask them to proactively support the council in keeping Darlington litter free by making sure their tenants, new and existing, are made aware of refuse disposal services available to them and the consequences of littering in Darlington," he said.

"With the support of landlords, we hope to see a reduction in the number of back lane and general littering incidences across the town."

Landlords and tenants can contact the council's litter hotline on (01325) 388777 for advice and guidance on refuse collection and to report any problem areas.

The authority's team of uniformed wardens have already staged several enforcement days, where areas of the town have come under the spotlight and fines handed out.