YORKSHIRE is one of the grimiest regions in the country, a survey has found.

Researchers for Keep Britain Tidy found that housing estates and high streets in the region were "swamped with litter" and "caked in grime".

Local authorities are failing the public when it comes to cleaning up the mess on their streets, the campaigners warned.

The warning comes ahead of a "best value indicator" for cleanliness, which all local authorities will have to produce this June.

But Andrew Osborne, Keep Britain Tidy's regional director, said the survey was not detailed enough to point the finger of blame at specific councils.

He said the organisation was working closely with City of York Council to help keep the city's streets clean.

Across the region, the survey found that the amount of fast food litter on the streets had risen by 12 per cent since last year.

Mr Osborne said: "If the average council tax bill has soared by 60 per cent since 1997, we would like to see more of it spent on street cleaning.

"Yorkshire and Humber may be losing out on visitors and businesses choosing to relocate here because some councils don't plan properly, listen to their residents' concerns, or equip their street cleaners with the tools for the job."

Coun Andrew Waller, City of York Council's executive member for environment and sustainability, said: "We are taking great steps with York Pride to improve the appearance of the city and we will be introducing fines for anyone who drops litter."

Updated: 08:42 Monday, February 23, 2004