A MAJOR initiative to tackle the problem of unwanted and unroadworthy vehicles has been launched.

An amnesty has been declared by Hartlepool Borough Council officials, who are working closely with Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police.

People can telephone the council and their old vehicles will be taken away free of charge and disposed of safely.

The scheme will be led by the council's Environmental Action Team.

Craig Thelwell, environmental action manager, said: "People might have old cars on their driveways or in their gardens and they are unable to get rid of them, maybe because they are broken down or are MOT failures.

"Vehicles such as these can sometimes end up being dumped and then they become an arson risk or a danger to children.

"In other cases, they might be left to simply rust away, quickly becoming eyesores and blighting the local environment. We want to prevent this happening."

A contractor, South Bank based Centex, has been appointed to remove the cars.

Stuart Drummond, mayor of Hartlepool, said: "Any scheme that makes the town a safer and cleaner place is to be welcomed.

"I am determined to see issues such as this which can adversely affect residents' quality of life, tackled promptly and effectively.

Owners wanting to arrange the removal of their cars can contact the council on (01429) 523333.