NEW measures should see the Island's tourist hotspots looking spick and span this summer holiday.

The Isle of Wight Council has launched a summer litter prevention campaign, with extra staff being recruited to keep parks, public open spaces and beaches clean and safe.

Their duties will include reporting littering, fly tipping, graffiti, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour, so they can be tackled swiftly.

The council says, as part of the campaign, litter bins in tourist hotspots will be emptied more regularly and beaches will be cleaned daily.

With a staycation boom expected this summer, Cllr Jonathan Bacon, cabinet lead for the environment, said it was more important than ever the Island was looking its best.

He said: "As lockdown eases over the coming days, we want the Island to bounce back as we reopen and welcome visitors back so our businesses, that rely heavily on tourism, can thrive and get the economy moving.

"We are determined to do everything we can to ensure our beaches and esplanades look inviting to our visitors and residents alike, while working proactively with our partners to coordinate and strengthen plans to keep everyone safe."

The campaign has been made possible through the government's 'Welcome Back Fund'.

Around £9,000 will be used to 'top-up' services provided by town and parish councils, to ensure litter bins are emptied at least three times a day at Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde.

Bins covered under the Highways PFI in Newport, Ryde, Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor will also be emptied more frequently.

A further £6,600 will be used to introduce more daily beach cleans, with Ryde West, Lake, East Cowes, Springvale, Seaview and Freshwater all being added to the list.

To report litter, overflowing bins, dog mess or fly-tipping on council land, including beaches, email waste.contract@iow.gov.uk or complete the form at www.iow.gov.uk

If the issue relates to litter on the highway, verge or pavement, contact Island Roads via www.fixmystreet.com or call the hub on (01983) 822440.