As the city council launched its blitz on cleaning up Aberdeen, Evening Express reporter David Ewen went undercover to gauge its success, making a pest of himself in the city centre and breaking a by-law along the way…

Lunchtime in Aberdeen city centre. I'm enjoying a sandwich outside Marks & Spencer.

Nobody seems put out by my presence - not even when I toss a paper bag and half-eaten bun into their path.

Some step over the bag, others skirt round it. Nobody suggests using a bin.

To wash the sandwich down I opt for a white wine, a dry Australian, swigged straight from the bottle.

Again, there are looks of disapproval, but nobody seems hugely perturbed by what is now a criminal offence.

The city council's pioneering civic pride campaign It's Our City was hoping for more from its citizens.

It aims to create a greater feeling of "shared ownership" and focuses on "everyone playing a part… and encouraging others to adopt high standards and behave considerately".

Council leader Len Ironside said he was "totally confident that others will join in the crusade against the minority who are harmful to the quality of life in Aberdeen."

As yet nobody seems ready to rise to that challenge.

That's understandable.

It's a brave man or woman who tells another person how to behave, never mind make a citizen's arrest.

Since the ban on public boozing was introduced in Aberdeen a month ago, only four people have been charged by police.

A boozing ban already exists in 400 Scottish towns and villages. Drinkers can be fined up to £500.

Officers in Aberdeen can now seize bottles - potential weapons.

Before, they could only do so when someone was drunk and incapable.

However, there hasn't been any great rush to disarm the drunks who hang around the streets during the day.

They can still be found sitting on steps and lolling around park benches.

On the litter front, Aberdeen is looking better. But there are still plenty of selfish people who discard food wrapping, cans and chewing gum.

So far this year nobody has been fined for dropping litter - a £25 penalty.

The city council recognizes the need to enforce the law.

It has plans, supported by the police, to introduce community wardens to help restore civic pride - and sort out those who disrespect it.

New legislation should make it easier for council officials to act, and cleansing boss Howard Kershaw said: "The best thing people can do is lead by example."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk