Bolton Council has welcomed plans for a voluntary code of conduct to make fast food shops responsible for litter problems but says it would still rather see new laws to tackle the problem.

Owners of takeaway shops could soon be required to do far more to ensure customers dispose of rubbish properly under Government plans.

They may be asked to clean up after customers and publicise the anti-litter message on posters.

A council spokesman said: "We would like to see the Government go one step further and introduce statutory powers to help us deal with those who spoil the environment in this way." The council is already looking at a range of measures to tackle the growing problem of litter, trade waste, domestic refuse and fly-tipping.

"Bolton Council has recognised for a long time that it is an increasing problem and around £2.5 million a year is spent tackling the issue," said a spokesman

"This could be spent on other services if people took simple steps and looked after their environment.

"Everybody wants to live in a clean and tidy town, but we need a collective effort to ensure this happens. This includes local businesses and people using takeaways."