Councils must lead the war on litter louts

Sir – Your editorial (November 13) says “it is hard to find fault with” the Scottish Tories’ demand for stiffer penalties for littering.

This is, of course, what is colloquially known as a “no-brainer”. The hard part is implementing and enforcing such a policy.

Bins should be big, well designed, even brightly coloured (and could carry advertising).

There should be many more of them and more frequently emptied. All councils know their own hot spots.

Now comes the bit that needs motivation and imagination.

As the police are wellnigh invisible on our streets – at least on foot – council wardens need the power, and the support of the public, to make a real difference.

A combination of camera-at-the-ready and, say, an old-fashioned whistle will concentrate minds, but it is essential wardens have the legal right to make, in effect, a “citizens’ arrest”.

As in all such antisocial matters, a few well-publicised fines will deter culprits and the rate of offending should begin to drop.

With luck, this could kick off a “virtuous cycle”. And that would be greatly encouraged if the council did their own bit properly, by cleaning in corners, where pavements meets walls and under benches and by doing something about chewing gum etc. David Roche.

Isla Road, Perth.

Bins should be bigger and carry advertising, believes a correspondent.