For a city that has spent millions brushing up its image, it is a depressing sight for early morning commuters, visiting businessmen and workers, with discarded take-away containers, drink cans and general detritus washing the streets and pedestrian areas.

With the prevailing westerly winds, the flotsam invariably ends up collecting in and defacing the attractive leisure area at Boots corner in depressingly large amounts.

This scenario continues in various streets throughout the centre where herring gulls tear open refuse bags in search of breakfast.

Although an army of council workers start early and succeed in clearing the streets before the rush hour proper, it can be after 8am before their work is complete.

The culprits, said local councillor Joe Morrow, seem determined to tarnish the good name of the city, and completely disregard the efforts of everyone trying to make Dundee attractive.

Although litter patrols were stepped up early in the summer, they can do little to deter late night weekend revellers who discard their waste.

Even Broughty Ferry has not been immune from the malaise, with litter patrols active there and in Lochee, Stobswell and the West End.

Said Councillor Morrow, who is also economic development convener and chairman of the city centre liaison committee, “Irrespon-sible people are just dumping their litter, although the bulk of Dundonians have a real pride in their city.

“We do get the workmen out as early as we can and they do a tremendous job, but some people do not have a pride in their city.

“The words I could use for them are just not printable.”

A council spokesman said, “The city council makes every effort to keep all the areas of the city clean, and employees are on duty from early morning, dealing with litter dropped by irresponsible people who do not use the many bins provided.

“They also tackle litter caused by scavenging birds. Litter dropped overnight is usually cleaned up from the city centre and other main shopping areas by the time most people are making their way to work.”