UNWANTED cars dumped in Bromsgrove streets will be collected for free as part of a two week drive to rid the town of unsightly motors.

Bromsgrove District Council has organised the vehicle amnesty, which will runs until Saturday, July 6.

The authority's salvage operation is part of a new police and fire brigade initiative called Operation Fire Safe - focusing on vehicle crime and arson.

District council technical services chief John Moody said: "The amnesty will help people to dispose of vehicles they no longer want which are parked on their property or on the side of the road.

"It will also help people who cannot afford the fees charged by breakers yards to scrap unwanted cars and it will reduce the cost and amount of council officers' time spent identifying and dealing with abandoned vehicles."

In 2001 more than 300 cars were dumped in the area, costing the district council and Worcestershire County Council around £20,000.

If anyone has a vehicle to get rid of they should ring the council on 01627 881376.

Ownership must be proved and only one vehicle per household will be collected.

Caravans and commercial vehicles are not included.