Learning not to litter
sir – I am also a volunteer litter picker (Letters, March 8). Here in Bath, the public and commercial businesses drop and dispose of litter illegally. Even our refuse collectors – who are council employees – drop large amounts as they empty the bins.
Bath council’s efforts to educate people and promote personal responsibility in relation to litter need to be more effectively co-ordinated. A simple, strong message sent to schools, with the support of local businesses, would help. People need to be reminded that dropping litter is a criminal offence, and sanctions must be pursued with the necessary vigour. Andrew Parry
Bath, Somerset
sir – Living close to a primary school, we find that many parents park in our street while waiting for school collection and spend the time clearing out their cars.
Detritus – Mcdonald’s wrappers, drink cans and crisp packets – is dropped into our residential street. This is rarely cleaned by the council, which seems to rely on litter-picking residents to maintain cleanliness. Fiona Young
Manchester
sir – In the 1960s my grandfather returned home from his first holiday abroad to Sweden. When asked how he had enjoyed his stay, he said that until his trip he had not realised what a dirty and litter-strewn country ours was. Sweden was pristine.
I shudder to think what his views would be now.
Keith Turfrey
Kenilworth, Warwickshire
sir – I am a lone litter picker and have just completed a stretch of road running through a beautiful bluebell wood in the Chilterns.
The road is in a 60 mph zone, so the council will not pick up litter as it is too dangerous. A request to lower the speed limit came to nothing. Does the council think the litter will just miraculously disappear?
Pat Isherwood
Kingston Blount, Oxfordshire
sir – Years ago, while queuing in traffic, I watched as a passenger in the car in front wound down their window and threw out an empty cigarette packet.
Utterly incensed, I got out, picked the packet up and threw it back in the car, saying: “Take your litter home.”
The packet stayed in the car. Maybe more direct action is needed from those of us who value our environment. Heather Erridge
Bleadon, Somerset