Time to get tough on the litter louts

Sir, - Recently I listened to a report on Radio Scotland about litter cleaning on Crammond Beach.

Congratulations to the people who took part but I would like to make a point or two.

Firstly, an annual clear-up is grossly inadequate given the dirty, lazy habits of a significant proportion of our population which treats the environment as an extension of the cowp.

Instead of sacking litter pickers, councils should be employing many more of them.

Yes, taxes will have to go up, so the authorities need to have the guts to put them up.

The inequalities in our society are a disgrace, with far too many people having much too much while many struggle to get by.

Another point – why don’t we bring in a Litter Tax on all fast food outlets?

When I pick up litter, not once a year but regularly, I more often than not find the same packaging.

If we taxed the companies whose litter is most frequently found then the money could be spent on litter picking.

A far greater effort needs to be put into educating and chastising litter droppers.

Offenders should be fined, preferably heavily.

Finally, why are ordinary people so reluctant to pick up litter?

I do it all the time but 99% of people turn a blind eye and walk past.

It is good to walk more and bend down – look how obese and unfit so many people have become.

Jack Greenway. 98 The Esplanade, Broughty Ferry.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Rubbish collected recently at Broughty Ferry beach.