THESE are the faces of Worcester's new litter Hit Squad, charged with helping to make the city the cleanest in the UK.

Adam Davies and Justin Clarke will start their new jobs today as part of a new campaign to be launched by the city council.

As revealed in last week's Worcester News, the local authority is to get tough on litterbugs and businesses which do not clean up their own mess.

It will give out strict fines, which could be up to £2,500 for dropping items such as fast food cartons, cigarettes, and chewing gum.

The Hit Squad, as well as helping to enforce these penalties, will be called to areas that need tidying up when the need arises. The aim is that reported incidents will be tackled within 24 hours.

The team will also complement the existing cleansing schedules by concentrating

on those areas of the city

that may need extra attention.

Councillor Derek Prodger, the council's cabinet member for Clean, Green and Safe, said: "Responding quickly and efficiently to incidents of litter in our city is a key element in our battle against those who persist in dropping waste and rubbish.

"Our long-term aim is to discourage such behaviour and ensure that the city is kept clean and litter-free.

"The introduction of this new squad will complement the initiatives that we already

take to ensure that our city

is clean, green and safe."

Adam Davies, Hit Squad member, said: "During the last few weeks we have been busy cleaning up some of the well-known litter spots in the city.

"Such work is already making a big difference and now that we can respond to calls as they come in, we hope to see

a litter-free city in the near future."

Anyone who wants to report a litter incident should contact the Customer Service Centre on 01905 722233 or e-mail the details to customerservicecentre@cityofworcester.gov.uk.