OXFORD’S streets are now so dirty, increasing numbers of people are refusing to walk on them, a campaign group claimed last night.

Oxford Pedestrians Association believes litter-strewn pavements are putting people off taking a stroll around the city – and could also be hitting businesses.

Chairman Paul Cullen issued the warning as he threw his weight behind the Cleaner, Greener Oxford campaign, launched by Oxford City Council and the Oxford Mail.

Mr Cullen, an independent transport consultant who has worked on transport policy, operations and engineering within local government, said the association had been stockpiling images of dirty parts of the city “for months”.

He said: “The situation has been getting worse for years and we welcome this timely campaign.

“Litter on the streets is becoming a deterrent to some people to even go out. It is also bad for business, because trade does not flourish where people don’t want to go.

“The problem really has got very bad in some areas, and is even worse in the summer when the hordes of tourists come, and the city council appears to be overwhelmed.”

Mr Cullen believes Oxford is in in danger of losing its reputation as one of Britain’s most attractive cities – and gaining a new one as one of the dirtiest.

He said: “People who come to this city from all over the world will soon be taking away the image that its a litter-strewn destination.”

The Cleaner, Greener Oxford campaign was launched to help reduce litter in the city, particularly in the city centre.

Oxford City Council says it costs the taxpayer more than £1m a year to tidy the centre.

Council officers, street wardens and police community support officers are increasing patrols., and litterbugs are being hit with £80 fixed penalties for throwing rubbish, dropping cigarette butts and gum, and for defacing buildings with fly-posters and graffiti.

Mr Cullen added: “The Oxford Pedestrians Association will back any campaign to clear up the city, but it needs to be a sustained approach and not just a quick blitz.

“Everybody needs to take responsibility for the upkeep of the city – from fast food outlets, with all their excess packaging, to customers making sure they bin their waste.

“This is a very good opportunity to really clean Oxford up. But we will only achieve it everybody plays their part.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk