A PUT-your-mop-where-your-mouth-is message has gone out to North Walsham's critics, urging them to help with a major clean-up day in the town next week.

A PUT-your-mop-where-your-mouth-is message has gone out to North Walsham's critics, urging them to help with a major clean-up day in the town next week.

Traders, town councillors, Prince's Trust volunteers, members of the police safer neighbourhoods team, the Griffon Area Partnership, plus district and county council staff will all be tackling a list of North Walsham grot spots on Friday July 4.

And town mayor Brian Wexler has appealed for everyone with free time on the day to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand.

“I hate to hear negative reports about the town all the time,” said Mr Wexler. “Instead of moaning, come and join us. Help us make North Walsham a more attractive place. The more volunteers we get, the more areas we will be able to beautify. And the more attractive North Walsham looks, the more visitors will want to come and the more traders we will attract.”

His special plea follows a similar day last summer when only one member of the public, pensioner Graham Dunn, responded to a call for volunteers.

Next week's event is timed to help the town look its best for the visit of Anglia in Bloom judges on July 7.

But organisers hope it will also restore civic pride, and encourage town centre visitors to keep it tidy throughout the year by putting their litter in bins.

“A clean town makes people more likely to keep it that way,” said Mr Wexler. “North Walsham in Bloom is doing a tremendous amount to make the town look better and we can all do our bit to help them.”

Members of the town's chamber of trade will be tackling mess in front of their premises, while other groups will be concentrating on weeding, litter-picking, taking down flyposters and clearing up the pigeon droppings which are seen as a major problem in the centre.

The use of nettings and spikes on buildings is being investigated as a permanent deterrent and Mr Wexler is in talks with the north Norfolk owner of a Harris hawk about occasionally flying the bird in the town to both prey on pigeons and scare them away.

For more information about the clean-up, ring town clerk Margaret Foster on 01692 404114. Rubbish sacks, gloves, litter picks, vests and refreshments will be provided.