A NATIONAL union leader has given his endorsement to a council's efforts to make a clean sweep.

Jack Dromey, national organiser for the Transport and General Workers' Union, showed his backing for Stockton Borough Council's new trade union agreement, which gives unions the right to be fully involved in all town hall reviews, with a visit to the town.

The council says cleanliness of the borough has improved considerably following the introduction of Best Value cleansing "hit" squads in the face of criticism of grubby streets.

They were brought in following a damning Audit Commission report, which listed Stockton as the second worst for street cleaning in the country, based on data collected in 1999 and last year.

Simon Dale, assistant director of housing and contract services for Stockton, said the council's Best Value squads had been a big hit in improving and uplifting the appearance of parts of the borough.

"This has been evidenced by fewer complaints and more letters of thanks from the public for work carried out," he said.

Mr Dromey said: "Stockton citizens deserve nothing but the best. Involving our members will improve local services because no one knows the job better.

"The council believes that how you treat workers is crucial to the quality of service they deliver to the community and the T and G believes that we must act as a twin champion of both council workers and the community."