An anti-littering campaign is set to be launched across Oxford this summer.

Oxford City Council and Oxford Direct Services will work together on the city-wide initiative targeting hotspots like Cornmarket and green spaces such as Port Meadow.

The move comes amid concerns for the environment and beauty spots as litter levels often increase in the summer months.

As part of the fight against unsightly, damaging rubbish, the council’s community response team will be out in the city centre, issuing fixed penalty notices to littering culprits.

Councillor Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services and council companies, said: "Litter is unsightly, blights our public spaces, and can take years to degrade.

"It is disappointing that some people show such little regard for the environment and their local community that they drop litter wherever they like.

"By reducing litter in Oxford the city and the parks can remain a pleasant and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors."

Littering, a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, can attract a fixed penalty notice of £150 which is reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days.

The council and Oxford Direct Services will also cooperate with partners OxClean and the Jerico Community Hub throughout the rest of the year to supply litter pickers and bags and organise waste collection with group litter picks.