Among the problems highlighted are drinks cans and sweet and food wrappers.

Since the smoking ban came into force last year, councillors in the town have also expressed concerns over the amount of cigarette butts dropped on the pavements.

One suggestion from councillors has been to spend a day litter picking – and then piling the collection together to show people how much rubbish is being dumped.

Pocklington's deputy mayor David Sykes said: "People seem to come to me every other day about it. It's atrocious and needs addressing."
Moves to tackle the problem have also been given the backing of the town's civic society.

Chairman Christine Lumley said: "We have talked about this because it's all part of the environment and we think there is a problem.

"Aesthetically, it's not good for the town and people just don't seem to be bothered about it. There's nothing worse than coming into Pocklington when there's litter blown up against trees – it's just not very attractive."

Discussing the issue at last Thursday's full council meeting, councillors felt the problem had deteriorated since East Riding Council's street cleaners swapped their standard brushes for sit-on machines several years ago, meaning many smaller inaccessible areas are not being cleaned.

One area of major concern is around Clarke's Lane, where councillors say much of the litter is being swept along by gusts of wind and dumped in the narrow street.

The council will cost up the possibility of hiring a part-time cleaner to help keep the streets clear. It is also keen to talk to schoolchildren, though councillors admit children are not solely to blame.

Councillor Neil Dexter said: "Children always get the rough end of the stick, but it's not just them. I personally see it as an adult problem as well, they need educating.

"We need to take more pride in the town and this needs highlighting."