'Unacceptable' paint job over litter in Northampton street has been redone, says council

Pictures of drinks cans, cigarette packets and wet wipes stuck in place in Earl Street were shared by residents online after work crews painted over the rubbish instead of cleaning it up first.

But a spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council says the "unacceptable" work has now been redone "to the correct standard", while sub-contractors responsible have been spoken to.

The spokesman said: "This is a one-off mistake and absolutely unacceptable.

“This work by a sub-contractor was picked-up via a works inspection. The crew involved has been spoken to and the work re-done to the correct standard, with no additional cost to the taxpayer.”