HUDDERSFIELD MP Barry Sheerman has welcomed tough proposals aimed at cleaning up the streets.

The powers outlined in the new Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill, discussed in the House of Commons on Monday, include the authority to remove abandoned cars from streets immediately, stop fly-tipping and fly-posting and help councils deal with noise from burglar alarms and pubs.

Huddersfield MP Mr Sheerman said: "The Government has set out a number of tough new measures to clean up our communities and get tough on those who litter and cause a nuisance for the rest of us."

The new powers were formally discussed for the first time in the Commons last month and now Mr Sheerman is calling for them to be implemented as soon as possible.

"I will be working hard to make sure these measures are agreed sooner rather than later so that the police, council and other local groups can get on with the job of making Huddersfield a safer, cleaner place to live," he said.

Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said the Bill would help councils tackle the problem and clean up neighbourhoods.

"Environmental damage such as graffiti, fly-posting and general littering is a menace that is becoming all too prevalent, not just in inner cities but in many communities - urban and rural.

"It creates or adds to a community's sense of neglect and makes people fear that no-one cares for their neighbourhood.

"This is a practical Bill which we have brought forward following requests from local authorities and will go a long way to help them tackle the problem.

"It is a key part of the Government's overall drive to help our communities become cleaner, safer and greener. And it will help rid our streets of the awful blight of rubbish while stamping-out low-level environmental crime."