PEOPLE in York city centre are to be encouraged to recycle their litter, as part of a wider improvement in cleanliness within the Bar Walls.

A report to go before City of York councillors next week says the new front-line street-cleaning service has been a success, with quicker reaction times helping to improve the appearance of central streets.

The council is now seeking to introduce new multi-purpose litter bins, which will allow rubbish to be recycled and cigarette butts to be kept off the pavements.

But the report voiced concerns over the amount of work required to clean the market, writing: "The cleansing of the market area is proving to require a high level of resources between the hours of 5pm and 7pm resulting in staff not being out in the city at these times.

"A review of the cleansing of the market area and the collection and disposal of waste from the stalls is to be carried out.

"This review will include the market traders and the city centre management team."

There are also concerns over a new vacuum-type machine, which - while successful - has been noisier than expected, meaning it can only have limited use in small streets with lots of pedestrians.

Overall, the report is positive, highlighting the success of a new mechanical sweeper which has raised standards and reduced reaction times.

In a new move, the council plans to introduce new bins with specific sections for paper, cans, glass and general litter, enabling the first three to be recycled.

The report writes: "Not only is it an opportunity to introduce litter recycling, it also has a top-mounted ashtray, which could reduce the amount of cigarette-related litter." Ruth Potter, neighbourhood services spokeswoman for the council's Labour opposition, welcomed the report.

She said: "I am pleased that in those piloted areas, standards appear to be improving. This has been achieved at no extra cost so it shows that our recommendations for new patterns of working can be delivered in a cost-effective way.

"Standards must be monitored continuously, as well as those new ways of working being rolled out to all residential areas inside the city walls. These residents deserve the same level of service as council taxpayers elsewhere in the city."