A survey by police revealed that the three things which make the public's perception of nuisance behaviour worse are littering, graffiti and crowds of youths congregating.

Wellingborough Council decided to tackle litter and graffiti in the town by launching a week-long deep clean, which ends today.

The initiative has seen them collecting rubbish, sweeping up streets and cleaning bus shelters and other street furniture.

Funding of about £5,000 was given to the council for the campaign by the Home Office and now officers are looking at ways to involve the community to keep the momentum of the project going.

John Casserly, the council's head of environmental services, said: "I think it has gone really, really well.

"The thinking behind it is that even if an area is safe, it can feel unsafe if it is grimy and full of litter and graffiti.

"The other part of it was about giving businesses and residents a sense of pride and ownership.

"The council has gone that extra mile to encourage others to take ownership of different areas.

"We've had some excellent feedback and people have been saying to us, 'this is what we want'."

Mr Casserly said they have been talking to some of the bigger shops, like Morrisons and Aldi, to see how they can team up to tackle some of the main litter hotspots.

He said: "The council wants to work with the community to keep Wellingborough as clean, bright and attractive as we possibly can."

He said the council's motto, Making Wellingborough a Place to be Proud Of, was mocked by some who saw them picking up litter but he said: "What is funny about taking pride in your town?"