AN army of litter police is being recruited in Glasgow - to sniff out the louts. Fifty residents from all over the city have signed up to the Neighbour Volunteer scheme, which has been launched by Glasgow Community and Safety Services.

The organisers hope to recruit squads in 52 designated neighbourhood areas to become their eyes and ears.

It is the latest initiative being used to fight grime crime as part of the council's Clean Glasgow campaign, which is fully supported by the Evening Times.

The move comes two days after we reported that 15,000 tyres had been dumped illegally on two city sites, costing the council £43,000 in clean-up costs.

Now each volunteer will dedicate around 10 hours per month to improving their community, choosing a specific place important to them, such as their home, school, a local park, or workplace.

They will take part in community clean-ups and encourage friends and neighbours to do the same.

But volunteers will also help track down litter louts, working with Glasgow Community and Safety Services' staff to improve the area by reporting graffiti, littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

As part of the scheme, volunteers will also conduct regular environmental surveys, helping officials target hotspots and measure how successful clean-ups are.

In return, they will receive a priority service for the issues they report, as well as receiving tools and training.

They will also get special credits that can be exchanged for practical items, such as trees, bulbs, planters, bird boxes, and clean-up kits for the community area, such as parks and schools.

One of the first to sign up was Susan Docherty, 52, from Kelvingrove.

She said: "I think people have to take charge of their own environment and get out there and do something.

"Glaswegians are down to earth people and want to help, especially when they realise the help and support that is available to them by the Clean Glasgow campaign.

"If people took part in just one clean-up day a year then Glasgow could be a beautiful city."

GCSS boss Phil Walker said he wanted as many residents as possible to get involved.

He added: "Given the right support, residents are keen to get involved in improving their neighbourhoods.

"Last year, more than 6000 people across the city volunteered their time to improve their neighbourhoods and this year we want even more to get involved in cleaning up their environments."

We took to the streets to ask people if they thought Glasgow was getting cleaner. What's your opinion on the cleanliness of Glasgow? KIRSTY BEATON, 23, student, Bearsden: I haven't noticed any changes over the past year. There is still tonnes of chewing gum all over the streets. WILLIAM CANNING, 44, janitor, Partick: I think it's got worse. There are not enough street cleaners in George Square and people don't bother to use the bins. EMMA LIVINGSTON, 19, student, East Kilbride: Yes, I have noticed a difference. The council seem to be making a stand against litter droppers and it shows. MARY FRANCIS, 66, retired, Wishaw: It's still terrible. I'm embarrassed to think what tourists will think when they come to Glasgow. CATHERINE BROWN, 35, student, Kilmarnock: I have to admit I haven't noticed much of a difference in the amount of litter on the streets over the past year. JOE PIERCE, 23, youth worker, Greenock: There are more bins in the city centre but you still see litter in the West End and around schools. RONNIE FRANCIS, 66, retired, Wishaw: I've never seen anybody fined for dropping litter. Wardens need to be more pro-active in fighting litter louts. DAVID RUSSELL, 63, travel agent, Burnside: There has been a big improvement. It's great to see because I take a lot of pride in the city.