BUSINESSES are being urged to back an annual drive to make Hartlepool a cleaner and more attractive place.

Officers from Hartlepool Borough Council want firms to show their support for Spring Clean Hartlepool, an initiative that runs throughout April and May every year, by signing up to a Tidy Business Charter and ensuring they are meeting their legal waste obligations.

Businesses signing up to the charter will receive either gold, silver or bronze awards depending upon their level of environmental commitment.

Bronze represents the basic level of waste management they should be legally reaching. Silver is for companies exceeding the basic requirement, and gold recognises the efforts of businesses which take action above and beyond the other two levels.

Helen Beaman, the council's environment co-ordinator, said: "We want to work in partnership with local businesses to help them manage their waste and ultimately keep the town as clean and tidy as possible.

"Not all businesses are aware of their legal obligations regarding waste and litter, and this could result in them facing legal action. We are always happy to speak to traders and explain to them what they should be doing."

For further information, contact the council on (01642) 266522.