A man's battle to keep the streets clean with the help of technology has hit a setback after Facebook threatened legal action.

Danny Lucas created the LitterGram app in the hope it can tackle the growing issue of rubbish across the country.

But when social media bosses realised the similarities to the name of its popular photo-sharing app, Instagram, lawyers contacted the 48-year-old businessman asking him to change the name.

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A letter by legal firm Bristows said: "Our client insists that you rename LitterGram and undertake never to use or apply to register in the future any marks that incorporate the component of Instagram.

"It utilises and relies on social media usage to achieve its aims and our client cannot allow use of such a name in relation to services which are core to its world renowned activities in this area."

VIDEO REPORT: We catch up Danny Lucas who has launched a video plea to Mark Zuckerberg to stop legal action against his litter app LitterGram

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council recently started supporting the free app which allows users to take pictures of litter, fly-tipping or rubbish issues.

It then uses GPS to alert the local authority and a team is sent to clear the mess.

Mr Lucas, of Higham Lane, Tonbridge, said: "This is just absurd, we are ranked as the 3rd most littered country in the world.

"I really hope common sense will prevail and Facebook will drop this battle" - Danny Lucas

"I used to send telegram postcards to the local council to let them know when I came across a mound of litter, so the name just felt right.

"I really hope common sense will prevail and Facebook will drop this battle.

"The app is being used in amazing ways. Flood wardens are using our app to keep rivers clear and stop our towns and villages flooding.

"Runners, joggers and cyclists are reporting fly-tipping as well as dangerous potholes that could cause serious accidents."

After an unsuccessful meeting with lawyers in March, the businessman has released a personal video plea to Facebook's boss Mark Zuckerberg.

Facebook said the name must be changed within the next three to six months.

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