THE monitoring of litter hotspots was on the agenda as councillors decided whether a monthly survey of Redditch continues in its present form.

In June 2000 it was agreed to reduce monthly monitoring surveys to allow waste management officers to target areas where litter was more problematic.

Between 30 and 40 sites are now inspected monthly and the remaining time has been used to raise awareness including work with schools.

In March Redditch Council also allocated £70,000 to provide more cleaning resources.

Officers have reported, on average, inspections had shown between April 2000 and April 2001 cleanliness targets were not being met.

But they say new " area cleansing plans" implemented since then have began to bite.