Members of Charity Crescent Residents Association (CHACRA) carried out a successful litter pick recently.

Apart from Charity Crescent, all roads leading off the Crescent were cleared of litter and debris. The volunteers, who were supplied with protective clothing and equipment by Wychavon District Council, collected a wide range of rubbish.

I was pleased with the turnout, and hoped that volunteers being seen around the estate on such activities would raise awareness amongst residents of the need for everyone to play their part in maintaining a litter free environment. It is not only unsightly but it blights the locality if let go unchecked. An additional litter bin has been sited in Charity Crescent, and we are expecting some more to be placed in the area. Regrettably, it is our own neighbours who are the offenders, young and old. All we ask is that litter be placed in the bins, or taken home. It is unbelievable how much litter is discarded yards from a bin. We must start to take more responsibility and pride in our local environment. After all, those who live here have invested in the area, and continue to do so.

Sadly, the worst litter problem continues to emanate from the local fast food outlet and its customers. This was graphically evidenced some four hours after the litter pick when the area within seventy five yards of this outlet was strewn with cartons, beakers, bags, and even whole meals. Whilst such disregard for a clean environment may reflect on the quality of the product, it also reflects on the attitude towards civilised behaviour. Those people who discard anything unwanted at their feet may see nothing wrong or offensive about their behaviour. That is why it is important for businesses and the community at large to engage in education and awareness.

Whilst the decision to approve locating such a fast food outlet in the midst of a residential area now appears seriously flawed, we nevertheless must address the litter consequences.

This need not be difficult, given the will and co-operation of all involved. Unfortunately, neither of these is apparent in McDonalds' attitude to the litter problem. Despite several letters, no response has been received by CHACRA.

Over the last twelve months, McDonalds has done little to help alleviate the problem caused by their customers and their packaging.

There are no notices or posters urging customers to use litter bins; the regular litter pick by McDonalds ceased many months ago, and has never been recommenced.

Those who live here know that the vast majority of litter on this estate can be found within a hundred yards of McDonalds, and more often much closer.

It is time that this insidious blight was addressed and halted.

The residents have the will to address this issue, and we now look to McDonalds and their customers to co-operate. It may be optimistic to hope that those who selfishly discard litter will read this, but I hope they do.

However, I appreciate that reading letters such as this may not feature high in their leisure and cultural priorities.

Gerry O'Donnell, CHACRA Chairman, St Pauls Close Evesham, Worcs.

Spokeswoman for McDonald's, Kate Hughes, said: "The restaurant works extremely hard in the local community to reduce litter. We sponsor bins in the area and are in contact with the residents' association which our franchisee, Peter Davies, helped to form."