A significant sum is being spent to help tackle weeds, overgrown grass verges and graffiti in Newcastle. £1.7 million will be used to increase the number of maintenance crews across the city.

Newcastle City Council say the funding has been secured from the one-off income reserves. Work is already underway and further improvements are expected in the New Year.

Regular maintenance will continue as normal, with the extra investment targeting key routes. The Leader of the council said it is helping to keep neighbourhoods tidy and restore pride in communities.

Cllr Karen Kilgour, a ward member in West Fenham, said: "I speak to residents every single day. As an elected representative of this great city, I am committed to ensuring they are at the heart of our decision making.

"Financial pressures on local government mean we do have to make difficult calls when it comes to what we can and can't fund. But keeping our city clean, tidy and presentable is what council tax payers expect from the city council. Residents should not be embarrassed by their communities.

"We have incredible pressures in terms of highways maintenance, waste collection, social care and housing but everyone should still be able to take pride in their city. That is why we took the decision to invest in additional crews and I am delighted that we are already seeing results.

"From cleaning graffiti, to cutting back shrubbery and de-weeding pavements, we want to give you a Newcastle to be proud of. Work has already commenced and will continue in the coming months.

"By Spring, I am confident we will have blooms of colour in our city of black and white."