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The authority is installing more bins, doubling collections and deploying staff seven days a week to tackle the widespread waste that has been left strewn at the prized parkland.

Coun Andrew Paraskos, cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said: "I have been really disappointed that people have been treating the Stray in this way. We put a lot of resources into it, so it would be really nice if people just tidied up after themselves.

"Normally we collect once in the morning but we have put an extra collection in mid afternoon - and hopefully we could have some more bins installed by the end of today."

This was the amount of rubbish from just one collection earlier this week. Photo: Harrogate Borough Council.

Waste collection workers had a visible presence at the parkland this morning and pictures (above) have now revealed the scale of the task they are facing.

It comes after hundreds of park go-ers this week poured onto the beauty spot to enjoy the warm weather - but some have brought a wave of rubbish including beer bottles, takeaway boxes and drug paraphernalia with them.

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The Stray Defence Association called for action to be taken and some residents even started taking matters into their own hands by doing daily litter picks.

The council says it spends around £300,000 a year on waste collections and is now reminding residents of their responsibilities.

Coun Paraskos said: "It is only a minority who don't clean up after themselves and we are going to be increasing our campaign for people to tidy up their rubbish.

"If the bins are full, please just take your rubbish home with you."

The number of new bins and locations where they will be installed has yet to be announced.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter

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Increased patrols, more resource and even more rubbish bins as Harrogate council steps up fight against 'avalanche' of Stray litter