FOUL rubbish strewn along one of the major routes in and out of Watford has prompted pleas for a clean-up.

The litter has been dropped all over the verges and central reservation of Stephenson Way, which connects the town centre with the M1 motorway.

Concerned Watford resident, Richard Stockwell, said: "For many years I have been frustrated by the dismal maintenance of this stretch of highway.

"There is litter, debris from vehicles and apparently little or no upkeep of the landscaped areas.

"Having loosely monitored the area, I don't believe that it is regularly cleaned, if at all.

"This road should be a gateway to Watford, not a grot-way."

Although the road is primarily used by people going to and from the town, it is not, as is often assumed, Watford Borough Council's responsibility.

The majority of Stephenson Way falls within the borough of Hertsmere, as the border runs along the River Colne, rather than the road.

Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill is calling on Hertsmere Borough Council to sort out the cleaning of the area once and for all.

She said: "In the past I would go so far as to say they would only clean it when we complained."

She said she was pleased Hertsmere had appeared to be more receptive to sorting out the mess recently, but stressed she would not be satisfied with a reactive service.

She said all options were open, and she may even be prepared to do a deal with Hertsmere so Watford council can maintain the road.

However, Hertsmere council insist the road is cleaned regularly.

Hertsmere council representative, Keely Smith, said: "Waste services cleaned the area on Friday, August 4.

"The area is cleaned on a fortnightly basis, and we are due to go back to that area by middle of next week.

"However, as it is a busy stretch of road the litter builds up very quickly.

"We will be looking at our mobile crews and their work schedules in the near future."