CLEAN and Green Teams, formed by members of staff at Easington District Council's horticultural, street cleansing and enforcement units, took to the road yesterday.

Each group of workers will be concentrating on specific locations and will also be relying on the public to alert them to any environmental black spots.

Team leaders have been trained to monitor standards in their areas and will be make regular visits to sites to ensure the clean-up operation is effective.

They will also keep in touch with the public by attending residents' association meetings, area forums and similar events.

Coun George Patterson, the council's executive member for liveability said: "By co-ordinating the teams we aim to improve the environmental standards in the district.

"The formation of these local teams will allow closer working within the local communities.''