A lot, Toulouse

Your report of 12 July says “Edinburgh facing calls for clampdown on tourist industry”. Having been in two contrasting cities over last weekend, Toulouse and Edinburgh, I cannot help but make some comparisons.

Whilst Toulouse perhaps not quite have the same appeal as the Old Town in Edinburgh, it was nevertheless a very busy place on Thursday night and Friday morning around the Capitole area, which had played host to a large market. On my return to Edinburgh on Saturday evening the Old Town was also extremely busy.

However, what was most noticeable to me was the approach to litter in both cities. In Toulouse there was a constant stream of refuse disposal vehicles of all shapes and sizes making sure there was hardly any visible litter. In Edinburgh, all the bins were full to overflowing and the streets themselves covered in litter. In addition, in Toulouse I witnessed streets and steps being hosed down and cleaned, something which I have rarely witnessed in Edinburgh. Perhaps the city authorities should welcome the revenue brought in by the increasing numbers of tourists and invest some of the money in sorting out the shocking state of the streets as regards litter, dog dirt and chewing gum.

PAUL BIRRELL Laverock Park, Linithgow