YORK businesses that fail to clean up rubbish on the land they own could face fines of up to £2,500 under tough new proposals.

City of York Council environment officers have recommended that Coun Andrew Waller, executive member for environment and sustainability, backs a new litter policy at a meeting with his advisory panel on Wednesday.

Under the proposals, council street environment officers would designate Litter Control Areas (LCAs) on business-owned land which is accessible to the public.

A pilot project would see two problem areas in the city designated as LCAs. Businesses in these areas would be encouraged to clean up litter on privately-owned land. They could claim council loans for cleaning products and anti-graffiti paint. They would also be encouraged to sign up to York Business Pride.

But those who refuse to co-operate could be dealt a fine of up to £2,500.

Council powers to designate LCAs - which include supermarket car parks, shopping precincts and recreational ground - were granted under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act. Now the city council wants to adopt these powers as policy.

Jackie Armitage, assistant head of street environment, says in a report: "Failure to maintain publicly accessible private land can lead to problems of graffiti, poor cleanliness, litter accumulation and general neglect.

"Whilst the council do not have a duty to maintain these areas, most residents and visitors to the city . . . will generally surmise that the neglect is due to lack of action by the local authority."

Coun Waller told the Evening Press: "Obviously we would like to get businesses to voluntarily support the scheme. We want to work with them. But we will use the powers that the council has."

Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Business Pride, said: "York Business Pride totally supports this tough stance."

Updated: 09:28 Saturday, March 06, 2004