AN ‘army of volunteers’ are set to take over council buildings, run libraries and clean their own streets under a major new campaign.

Cash-strapped Blackburn with Darwen Council leaders are launching Your Call to manage the impact of £33million of Government’s funding cuts.

In echoes of Prime Minister David Cameron's 'big society', residents are being asked to: Cut grass and carry out gardening services; Run community centres; Take part in litter picks; Volunteer at libraries; Help out at leisure centres; Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours and support local shops to help traders.

Labour council leader Kate Hollern said she hoped the campaign would bring neighbourhoods together at a time when services had been cut.

But critics claimed the authority risked being accused of putting responsibility for maintaining the borough onto its people.

Coun Hollern said: "Blackburn with Darwen has been through a very difficult year and services have been reduced whether we like it or not.

"The government has made it clear that the outlook remains gloomy so we need people to mirror positive work taking place in many areas and ensure this is commonplace across the whole borough.

“This is where ‘Your Call’ comes in. We want people to call us, email us, text us or contact us through Facebook and Twitter if they are interested in volunteering some of their time, no matter how little, and join the growing army of community volunteers who are working with the council to make a difference.

“If you do not have time to volunteer then a simple thing people can do is make sure no-one in their family drops litter, that they keep an eye on vulnerable neighbourhoods such as older people or choose to use their local shops which will help our traders.

"Simple actions like this will help us get through the difficult times ahead as well as fostering a real community spirit.”

Already a large number of people have signed up to 'do their bit' to help their communities, but the council is calling for thousands more to get involved.

The campaign was created following a six month consultation exercise with residents about their priority services.

Colin Rigby, Conservative councillor for North Turton with Tockholes, said: "This decision to try and convince people to clean their own streets and look after libraries and public spaces is optimistic.

"People are of the opinion that they pay a fortune in council tax therefore it is the council's responsibility and not their's to maintain these services."

Jake Berry, Darwen and Rossendale MP, said: "We already have hundreds of people who volunteer who are the unsing heroes of our communities and it is encouraging that the council are seeking to expand this.

"But the council has a statutory obligation to deliver services and they will have to ensure that they continue to do this."

However residents involved in community projects backed the campaign.

Richard Morgan, 40, and Michael Pemberton, 60, are voluntary members of St Gabriel's litter picking group.

Richard, from Pleckgate, said: "I got involved just before Christmas last year. I thought there was litter everywhere and the place was so messy.

"You see a lot when you’re walking the dog. It’s a real shame people don’t take more pride in the place they live.

"It’s too easy to buy something and then throw away the bit you don’t need. It’s a crying shame.

"Litter picking is a good way of getting out and doing your bit. It’s something everyone can do and we even get families coming when the weather is reasonable."

Michael, from Sunnyblower, said: "Volunteering is about being part of your community. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and litter picking especially is quite therapeutic."

The keen volunteer also urged others to come forward and look after their town.

He said: "It’s just about taking that first step and making a contribution. If everyone just got a litter picker and did the place where they are that would be the answer."