A COUNCIL is looking for the public's views on its plans to clamp down on irresponsible takeaway owners.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is proposing to create a policy asking owners of new premises to pay a contribution towards street cleaning and litter collection.

Councillor Mary Lanigan, cabinet member for highways, transportation and planning, said: "Many people have been telling us their concerns about the increasing number of proposals for hot food takeaways.

"These takeaways are often only open during the evening and have their shutters down during the day, so this doesn't help to make our shopping centres inviting.

"But we also know they are important local businesses, providing a useful service.

"We have listened to the public and have been looking at what we can do. That's why we've revised our planning policy for hot food takeaways, and are asking for people's views on it.

"The new policy will aim to avoid a concentration of takeaways in a particular area. We won't allow them to be too close to flats or houses, and will make sure they have adequate ventilation."

She added: "We will also be asking owners of new takeaways to pay a contribution towards street cleaning and litter collection."

Information about the policy can be viewed at Planning Services, Belmont House, Guisborough, or on the council's website, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/ldf