BIG changes in the way Middlesbrough Borough Council looks after roads, open spaces and litter are to be introduced.

The improvements follow a review of the council's activities which included a roadshow for residents to comment on the way their streets and land were looked after.

The council has a budget of £11m a year to keep areas clean and the review looked at how this work could most effectively be carried out.

Public consultations showed that people were unhappy about litter, rubbish dumping, dog fouling and litter collection.

Plans to improve the service include enforcing punishment for litter and dog fouling, providing more skips for people and encouraging home composting and recycling.

Neighbourhood volunteers will also be recruited to suggest ways the environment can further be improved.

There will also be regular meetings with staff, residents, business and schools to discuss future plans.