People in Faringdon have launched a campaign to clean up the streets and footpaths around their homes.

The campaigners say streets in the town are overgrown with weeds and covered in dogs' excrement, and that the area around the town's famous Folly is often covered in broken glass.

So far, 200 residents have signed a petition calling for the authorities to look after public areas better.

They want the main path to the Folly, along with Stanford Road and London Street, to be cleared of weeds every three months, and signs put up warning dog owners to dispose of their pets' mess.

Campaigner co-ordinator Dominic Matterson said: "This neglect has led to the increasing abuse of the area because if people see it's a mess, they don't think it's worth looking after.

"We pay some of the highest council tax in the county in Faringdon and we've got the right to expect a better service than this." Responsibility for maintaining the Folly Tower lies with the Faringdon Folly Trust. It is staffed by volunteers who occasionally clear the litter, but it claims it needs more funding to provide a more regular service.

Brian Short, area engineer for Oxfordshire County Council, said it was already acting to address the complaints.

He added: "We will arrange to inspect the area mentioned by Mr Matterson and if we find something is needed on safety grounds, we will take care of it as soon as possible.

"The council has just started a new weed-killing programme and we will be working in towns in the south of Oxfordshire to make sure paths are made clear."