Council leader Simon Cook says that the only way Canterbury’s streets can be free of litter is if people pick it up themselves.

In comments likely to inflame some residents, the Conservative insists that council contractor Serco cannot manage the problem by itself.

He said: “I’m not for a minute suggesting that everyone has to go out and pick up rubbish, but if they do see something like a crisp packet on the floor, then they can pick it up.

“If people want zero litter in their street, then this is what they need to do.

“Having people out all the time making sure we have no litter on our streets would be cost prohibitive" - Simon Cook

“Having people out all the time making sure we have no litter on our streets would be cost prohibitive. It would need hundreds of extra staff.

“Serco are up and down the High Street so that’s kept clean, but the council can’t constantly be collecting litter 24/7, especially in residential areas. We need a balance.

“The best thing, of course, would be if the litter wasn’t dropped in the first place.”

Cllr Cook’s comments come as a report went before Canterbury City Council’s community committee.

It states that councillors are worried about Serco’s performance and suggests that one member from each of the three urban areas be made a liaison between members of the public and senior council officers.

The report by Peter Davies, the assistant director of commissioned services, states: “Many actions have already been implemented that are ensuring the council’s contract with Serco is adaptable and responsive to the needs of the local community.

“Officers at the council are working closer with residents and councillors than at any other time in the contract, and work is now beginning on improving how residents can contact and report issues to both the council and direct to Serco.”

The report identifies key areas for keeping the district tidy.

They include dog fouling, student littering, street cleaning and litter picking and allowing residents to examine street cleaning routes and schedules.

But not everyone is satisfied.

Lynette Coleman, of Pine Tree Avenue, is demanding that Serco and the council up their games.

She said: “The fact is that getting residents to clean up the streets is not something that should be done.

“Serco has a contract to do the job and Canterbury City Council should be supervising them doing that.

“There is also inconsistency in the way it is done – there is a cleaner picking up leaves from the Westgate Gardens and yet the St George’s underpass is absolutely disgusting.

“I don’t think we should stand for it. Canterbury deserves better.”