READERS have been dishing the dirt on the area's top grot spots as part of The Westmorland Gazette's Blitz Lakeland's Litter Campaign.

In the week since the campaign was launched, dozens of readers have contacted the Gazette naming and shaming the places they think are in desperate need of a good clean-up.

And although many calls, letters and emails have focused on litter problems in and around Kendal, it is clear that there are plenty of other grot spots throughout the Lake District Litter strewn in streets, in lay-bys and on scenic footpaths, in places ranging from Brockhole to Barbon, have been highlighted by readers this week.

Other readers highlighted litter-strewn verges and lay-bys along the A591 near Brockhole, the A65 and the A590 between Kendal and Grange. Areas of Milnthorpe, Levens and Bowness were also described by readers as being in need of a spruce up.

But it was the state of Kendal's riverbanks that attracted the most amount of concern.

A visit by The Westmorland Gazette to the area of riverbank near Wattsfield Road, found a mass of detritus, including polystyrene takeaway boxes, bottles and cans lying next to springtime flowers.

Wesmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has tabled an Early Day Motion in support of Gazette's campaign and has urged fellow MPs to support moves to force supermarkets to cut down on excess packaging.

Mr Farron is to also join in with a litter pick to be held on the Glebe, in Bowness, on Saturday, February 3, at 1.30pm.

If you have a nomination for South Lakeland's top litter grot spot call 01539-710160, email newsdesk@kendal. newsquest.co.uk or write to The Westmorland Gazette, 1 Wainwright's Yard, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4DP.

You can also add your comments to our website www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk and upload photos.

South Lakeland District Council can be contacted on 0845-050-4434, if you are particularly concerned about litter in your area.

See The Westmorland Gazette for readers' letters on the litter problem.