Members of Thirsk Area Forum are asking Hambleton Council to deal with the problem which was highlighted in an action plan drawn up earlier this month.

"Urgent action is needed to wipe out these problems and improve Thirsk, especially the town centre," said Area Forum chairman, Coun Gareth Dadd.

"We want to take a zero tolerance approach to litter and dog fouling – anyone caught will and should be fined.

"We hope that by working together these problems can be wiped out quickly, making Thirsk a cleaner and brighter place for visitors and residents alike."

He said that in the last year, 37 fines were issued in Thirsk for litter with four now awaiting court action.