THREE things that strike when returning to Worcester is the drabness of the street, the filth in the town centre, the lack of policemen.

Nowhere in Worcester, except Worcester City Football Club and Fownes Hotel, will you see the Union Flag/Jack flying. There is no need to uproot trees and tear up pedestrianised areas. Simply fly the Union Flag from Guildhall, shops and other premises.

In Canada you will see the Maple Leaf, Union Flag, Provincial Flag, which carries the Union Flag, not only on civic buildings and business premises, but on homes, cars, even invalid scooters. The streets are colourful with bunting.

The streets around The Cross are filthy. Three men with their little green sweepers are fighting a losing battle against the litter louts. Much of the litter is thrown by the McDonald's customers, who on Saturdays force mothers with children off the pavement. Their bad-mannered ignorance means people are reluctant to pass through this mob.

In Canada, drop a matchstick, and you face a $2000 fine. As a result, the streets, as well as colourful, are spotlessly clean. No need for the little green sweepers.

The puzzle in Worcester is finding a policeman. After days of looking you might see a police car. This is not the fault of the police. Why are there not policemen moving on the litter louts around the hamburger seller?

In Canada, you will see Mounties all day. Mouth back at a Mountie and you are in very deep trouble. You will never see a mob of louts.

THE REV D G GRIFFIN,

Newland, Malvern.