STREET cleaning is facing an overhaul in York, after a report criticised growing levels of graffiti, vandalism and fly-posting.

Plans to join up street cleaning with management of public toilets and maintenance of roads and grounds are being discussed by City of York Council.

It would make one provider responsible for all, instead of the current system of numerous agencies operating.

It comes after criticism by pressure group ENCAMS, formerly the Keep Britain Tidy Group, that problems had worsened significantly in the past four years.

Under the new proposals, residents would also be given a hotline to register complaints.

The council would employ six street environment officers with a brief of building closer links with residents and communicating with the council.

Andy Hudson, the council's assistant director of environmental protection, said: "Combining and simplifying the council's street-based services into one group will make it easier for residents to access local information and services.

"The creation of a consumer hotline and designated street environment officers will really raise the standard of service and will provide a link between the council and local residents."

Councillor Tracey Simpson Laing, the council's environment spokeswoman, said: "We recognise that the public want to see improvements in their street environment."

She said additional money could be allocated to tackle particular hot spots.

Despite the critical ENCAMS report, York is one of 11 finalists being judged for the title of Britain's Cleanest City next week.

The competition only considers the city centre. Many of York's problems are in more residential areas.

The plans will be discussed by the council's executive next Friday.

Updated: 09:17 Saturday, March 01, 2003