Traders in Brighton who create an eyesore by leaving rubbish outside their businesses are being targeted in a new crackdown.

Shopkeepers in Preston Street, Brighton, will have to display "tax discs" in their windows with details of their trade refuse agreements.

The idea is to allow Brighton and Hove Council inspectors to check the agreements and ensure traders and waste collectors are doing their best to keep the streets clear of rubbish.

A key aspect of the scheme is the introduction of a rubbish curfew where refuse must be cleared from the streets by 10am.

A council spokeswoman said: "After this time, any sacks of trade refuse left on the streets will be considered to be an obstruction and the council will consider taking legal action against the trader or trade refuse collector responsible."

Traders with no proper trade waste contracts could also be prosecuted under the scheme.

The scheme has been welcomed by businessmen in the road which has a high concentration of restaurants, cafes and takeaways.

It is being launched as part of the council's 'Don't Mess With Our City' campaign and will be extended to St James's Street in Kemp Town. If successful, it could also be introduced into other parts of central Brighton.