GLASGOW'S latest weapon in the war against litter louts has been unveiled - an army of rapid-response clean-up hitmen.

GLASGOW'S latest weapon in the war against litter louts has been unveiled - an army of rapid-response clean-up hitmen.

Fifteen council-run crews, the first of their kind in Scotland, take to the streets today in communities across the city, tackling litter, fly-tipping graffiti and problems such as dirty needles.

They'll also take on environmental duties such as cleaning streets and street furniture, clearing lanes and tidying up overgrown vegetation.

According to litter chiefs the mobile teams will be able to respond more quickly than ever before to residents' complaints.

Council leader Steven Purcell said the project would make a difference to every neighbourhood, and take Glasgow's anti-litter efforts "to a new level".

The 45 new staff are the latest recruits to the council's £4million Clean Glasgow campaign, which is supported by the Evening Times.

Three squads will be based in each of the five areas of the city - north, west, east, south-east and south-west.

Each team has three members, including a driver, and a fully-equipped vehicle.

They won't be able to issue fines - but cleansing chiefs say they will work closely with litter wardens and other enforcement staff to nail the worst offenders.

The crews will also act on information provided by the army of neighbourhood volunteers - the hundreds of residents described by one council insider as their "eyes and ears" in the community.

Mr Purcell, who launched the scheme at an event in George Square today, believes it will make a real impact.

He said: "These crews take the council's own efforts to a new level, giving every community and street in Glasgow access to additional help in achieving a cleaner city.

"Our rapid-response teams will allow us to respond more promptly to community concerns and will link closely with a strong network of friends and volunteers that have been mobilised and empowered by the Clean Glasgow campaign."

"Clean Glasgow is built on a partnership with our communities and a shared responsibility for our environment - at home and around the city.

"I've been delighted with the response and the commitment all of us - individuals, businesses and council services - have made to Glasgow as a clean, safe city."

The news comes as the council revealed it would be upping the number of litter wardens patrolling the city centre.

The so-called "mean teams" have issued 10,776 fines since their launch in May 2007.

Businesses have also been targeted as part of the high-profile blitz.

Residents can request help from the rapid-response teams by calling the Clean Glasgow hotline on 0800 027 7027.