ENFORCEMENT is being called for in Aireborough to stop people blighting the countryside with rubbish.

Aireborough Civic Society wants to see cameras used to catch culprits, and offenders prosecuted in a bid to stop the ever increasing problem.

The society, which regularly organises clean-ups, is arguing that enforcement is essential if the blight is to be stopped.

The group's chairman Clive Woods said: "The problem of litter spoiling Aireborough seems to be increasing, despite the efforts of council workers and volunteers. It seems to be the rural parts that are worst affected - by people in cars throwing cans, plastic bottles, coffee cups, crisp packets, cigarette packets etc on to our grass verges and roads.

"For many years we have been organising an annual Spring litter pick along Cemetery Road, near the tarn and airport viewing area. In recent years we have also been doing a Litter Pick along the cycle path between Yeadon and Guiseley. Both areas are now bad again. We have noticed that Layton Lane is again looking untidy despite a full clean up by Leeds City Council and volunteers last year.

"In 2015, after only three hours, we managed to collect an astounding 40 bags of rubbish from the airport viewing area and surrounding roads, also seven bags from the old railway line next to the Westfield Schools. The current system is clearly not working. Litter is a major problem blighting our countryside."

He stressed: "Litter on our grass verges is not how we should be welcoming visitors to Yorkshire.

"The grass verges on the A658 to Bramhope and Pool give a very poor impression of Yorkshire to visitors arriving at Leeds Bradford Airport.This road however would not be safe for a litter pick by volunteers."

The Civic Society is supporting a Leeds City Council campaign to tidy up Leeds but they say proper enforcement is urgently needed if the problem is to be solved.

Mr Woods said: "The council should not have to use valuable funds and resources clearing up after inconsiderate motorists who chuck bottles, cans, bags full of take-away detritus etc out of car windows. "Volunteers can only do so much, especially on roads with no footpaths. We should like to see cameras used to identify the culprits followed by prosecutions – as a deterrent to others. Those companies who supply the items that end up as litter could do far more to prevent this blight on our countryside. We shall also be contacting Leeds Bradford Airport and our MPs and councillors to get them to support our initiative."

Aireborough Civic Society has organised two litter picks, on Saturday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 4, and is asking volunteers to help out. The first will meet at 10am outside Yeadon Westfield School to work on the old railway footpath and cycleway. On Tuesday volunteers can meet at10am on Cemetery Road, Yeadon in the car park opposite the cemetery. Anyone taking part should bring strong gloves and sturdy footwear. Litter pickers and bags will be included.