CONGRATULATIONS to the Shuttle for highlighting the black spots around the town and giving opportunity for a debate on the subject.

Although they may not always express it publicly, people do care.

Kidderminster has suffered in the past from so much bad planning. The hope is that the new developments currently underway will revive a pride in the town. I certainly hope so.

The small minority who set out to spoil, destroy and vandalise our environment must not be allowed to prevail.

We must do whatever is necessary to curtail their activities.

If that means CCTV in public places, so be it. If it means more visible policing, then we must pay for it.

Living in a peaceful, pleasant and safe environment is surely a fundamental right.

One particular social nuisance is the amount of litter strewn about.

Why are the litter laws not enforced?

There are many litter bins in the town, but not in residential areas and along the roadside.

We are in an age where "eating on the hoof" is a way of life.

Perhaps the cost of providing them should be met by those who prosper from the sale of such foods - ie supermarkets, chip shops and takeaway restaurants.

Quite what we do about litter thrown from cars I don't know. The verges and hedgerows are full of litter.

Some of the angling community are the worst culprits. I say some, because I know that most value our environment.

Walking along our riverside and canalside, the debris is a sickening sight and harmful to wildlife.

Another beef is the state of some of our commercial premises.

I have been heartened to see an improvement on the commercial side of Worcester Road, which complements the efforts made by the local authority on the residential side, but still much needs to be done in this and other areas.

Is it feasible for the local authority to reward or penalise firms through their business rate, in order to encourage tidy premises?

As to the underpasses - abandon them, and provide pedestrian crossings above ground in similar manner to those provided at the Butts/Bewdley Road island.

I do hope your challenge to readers provokes sufficient interest to kickstart a campaign for a more pleasant environment and a renewal of pride in Kidderminster.

NAME AND ADDRESS

SUPPLIED