A TRADE union is threatening strike action in a row over the future of a flagship street-cleaning service.

Public sector workers' union Unison says Cleansweep is in danger of being "neglected" because Greenwich Council is cutting staff overtime.

The union also claims the service is in severe financial trouble and up to £350,000 in debt.

Cleansweep was introduced in 2003 and hailed as a partnership between Greenwich Council, schools, residents and businesses.

Its aim is to make sure all rubbish is disposed of and cleared from the streets.

Residents can also play their part by reporting problems such as abandoned cars, graffiti and overgrown bushes.

Greenwich Unison branch secretary Onay Kasab says he has no problem with residents being part of the scheme.

But he would like to see more emphasis on using expert, full-time staff to keep the streets clean.

He said: "The council's grounds maintenance department seems to be shrinking massively. All it seems to do now is plant bulbs.

"It is absolutely essential we keep the borough clean and tidy and do not neglect this service."

He added: "The last thing we should be doing is cutting overtime."

Mr Kasab says his members are currently being balloted to see whether they want to vote on strike action.

He added: "We will test the strength of feeling.

"But if our members are willing to take industrial action it is not something we would rule out."

Greenwich Council says it is "too soon" in the financial year to project figures for overspending.

A spokesman said: "Over-reliance on staff overtime is not the most efficient way of running the service.

"We are currently introducing a number of measures aimed at keeping our services within budget."

He added these measures include controls on the use of overtime and a reduction in the use of agency staff.