Councils must do more on litter

KENNY Macaskill’s article “We’re drowning in litter but here is how to fix the problem”, the Herald,

January 9) overlooks the local authorities’ inadequate response to the issue. Suitable bins (capacious, frequent and easily seen from a distance – clearly a lot of the population are lazy and won’t carry their detritus more than a few yard) are not being provided. Too often the council offering is rusty, dirty, dark coloured and overflowing, so that even if one is provided you would be loath to put your hand into it.

Until the Government compels councils to do their duty (and advertising by local businesses could help fund more bins, for example) our towns, villages and countryside will continue to shame us. CCTV is ubiquitous, we are told. Use it; fine litterers (and councils) and publicise such action in the local press. Minds will quickly be concentrated.

David Roche,

6 Conachar Court, Isla Road, Perth.

NOW that we have a smoking ban, a tax on sugary drinks and a likely tax on plastic it is perhaps time to address the blight of every high street: chewing gum which covers the pavement even within the close proximity of a bin.

I believe that it costs the council 50p to remove one piece of gum.

Perhaps it is now time to pass this on to the manufacturer and therefore reduce the use of this useless foodstuff.

Roy Gardiner,

12 Wellpark Grove,

Kilmarnock.