SOUTHEND Council has been accused of neglecting street cleaning in Westcliff, paying more attention to neighouring Leigh.

Nicki Howe and her partner Mark Fullick moved from Thundersley to Valkyrie Road, Westcliff, a year ago and are fed up with the amount of litter in gutters and on pavements.

They believe Westcliff is being neglected, while nearby Leigh has its roads swept regularly.

Southend Council sent in street cleaners when the couple sent in pictures of the litter.

Mark, 26, said: "We travel through Leigh to get to work and the first thing you notice is how much cleaner it is. As you head there, the roads get cleaner and cleaner.

"Leigh is a different area, with different residents to Westcliff, and has a wealthier population, but that shouldn't be reflected in the cleanliness, or whether that makes it a priority."

The couple believe part of the problem is due to foxes tearing bags put out the night before collection.

However, they say the blame does not lie there, but with the council who are not cleaning up the spilled rubbish.

Nicki, 30, said: "We are really keen to improve and stay in the area, but at the moment it is causing health and safety issues and we are disappointed such a pleasant road, with so much history and culture, can be so neglected.

"Our pictures clearly show the health risk with discarded food, takeaway boxes and even nappies about."

The couple have inquired about the use of wheelie bins so foxes cannot get into bags, but the council say it will not be introducing the bins as its pink and black bag scheme helps to improve recycling.

Paul Terry, waste management technician at Southend Council, said: "The frequency of sweeping varies according to the location and intensity of use of the street. Valkyrie Road is currently swept fortnightly. We do urge householders to leave their rubbish on the edge of their property on the day of the week it is to be collected to reduce the likelihood of the sacks being ripped open by animals."

However, Jeanette Humble, of Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, said residents took a pride in the area and often cleaned up grass verges outside their homes.

She added: "I don't think we have lots of street cleaning here. The fact is, if we see some rubbish outside our homes, we simply clean it up."