PEOPLE are being urged to follow a set of guidelines for the success of a campaign aimed at maintaining cleaner streets in Bahrain's towns and villages.

The Love Bahrain Litter Free campaign was launched in February by Gulf City Cleaning Company (GCCC), Sphinx Cleaning Company (SCC), AMA International and MICE Management.

The main aim is to educate and promote a litter-free environment.

The guidelines are the first step in encouraging people to support the campaign and if followed by all, will make for a much cleaner environment in the country, say officials.

SCC senior project manager and AMA International relations director Antonio Canale said that people could put their rubbish in the bins from 8pm to 10pm to be emptied within the collection schedule that runs from 10pm until early in the morning.

"It would be very helpful to us if people would put their rubbish in the bins in the evening, shortly before the collection time," he said.

"This would avoid unpleasant odours caused when bins are full for long periods of time in the heat.

GCCC started its contract to clean Manama and Muharraq in December last year, while SCC began last February to undertake waste management in the North and Central Municipalities.

However, the two companies are working together for the awareness campaign.

The cleaning companies each have a five-year contract to undertake the campaign and MICE Management is approaching businesses to see how they can join the drive. A number of initiatives are being taken for the involvement of companies who are keen to show their support for the campaign, say officials. Anyone interested should contact the organisers MICE Management on 13614566. aneeqa@gdn.com.bh HOW EVERYONE CAN HELP

* Put Litter In The Bin - Do not throw litter randomly beside the bin, place it securely inside and ensure the lid is on. This avoids scavengers, such as cats, mice, rats and flies that spread disease.

* Be Aware Of Daily Collections - To avoid litter lying around for some time and creating unwanted odours, take the time to put litter in the bin closer to the usual time for collection in your area.

* Sweep Out and Bin It - If you are sweeping out a home or retail premises then collect the swept up material and put in it the bin. Don't sweep your rubbish or dust onto the streets as your street has more than likely just been cleaned.

* Don't Throw Litter From Cars - Please take care of the environment and ensure that you have a bag for waste inside your car that is then put into a proper receptacle when full.

* In Public Places - Be a friend of the Love Bahrain Litter Free campaign and ensure that your rubbish goes in a bin. Even if you are out at the beach or on a picnic, ensure that you take your rubbish home and put it in the bin.

* Countryside Protection - Avoid danger to wildlife. When taking a walk in the local beauty areas, ensure that you do not leave your litter behind. Take it with you and then 'Put it in the bin'. * Be Responsible - Put all of your litter in a bin and encourage others to do so to ensure a clean and healthy environment in our towns and villages.