A new environmental taskforce has cleared almost 700 tons of rubbish and removed 12,500 sq metres of graffiti from across the city since June.

The 21 rapid response teams have been blitzing communities, responding to environmental issues reported by the public through new dedicated social media channels.

The taskforce has received almost 4000 requests from the public since it was set up three months ago and the majority were addressed within one day.

In the north-east, 96% of all jobs were completed within 12 hours - a vast improvement on previous response teams.

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Almost 1500 bulk uplifts have been completed and specialists from City Building have been repairing and upgrading items like fencing, walls and benches.

Community enforcement officers have issued almost 400 fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and more than 3440 to people who dropped litter.

Offenders involved in the Community Payback Service have also been deployed to improve sites flagged up by the public.

A key element of the new taskforce is creating training and work placements for the unemployed with 43 trainees taken on in the first three months and further recruitment planned.

Confidence and experience gained on the job has already helped one of the trainees secure a full-time job with Glasgow Housing Association.

City council leader Frank McAveety has met residents at 16 roadshows across the city to hear about environmental issues in their neighbourhoods.

Information events were also held for the city's army of 695 neighbourhood improvement volunteers who help keep areas looking their best and have carried out 600 community clear-ups since June.

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Mr McAveety said: "We promised the environmental taskforce would make a difference to Glasgow's streets and results from the first three months show that it is beginning to do so in a big way.

"The taskforce has had a hugely positive impact since it was launched and has been well received by Glasgow residents.

"This is a partnership between the council and residents. Together we can make a vast difference to our city's appearance and the contribution of the neighbourhood improvement volunteers is invaluable.

"We all love Glasgow and want it to look its best. I am really encouraged by the successful start to this revolutionary new approach to cleaning up the city."

The fastest way to report issues such as graffiti, litter, fly-tipping and dog fouling to the taskforce is by Twitter @theenvtaskforce and Facebook at envtaskforce. You can also use the MyGlasgow app or phone 0300 343 7027.