I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with Sarah Blacklock in her recent letter 'Let's clean up the place.'

Droitwich is a great little town, but in parts quite dirty with litter, despite I am sure the best efforts of the council.

There are those who would say that the children are not wholly to blame and that would be right, however as someone who regularly sees children dropping crisp packets, chocolate wrappers, drink cans etc. on their way to school, I can fairly say that I agree with Sarah Blacklock when she says that children are a cause of much of the litter which we all have to put up with.

I would like to suggest that the local schools show a degree of responsibility for their local environments, and introduce a few compulsory sessions of lunchtime litter picking.

Who knows - the children might enjoy it - at the very least it would provide some fresh air and exercise, and if they didn't enjoy it, giving up a few lunchtimes might make them realise what a disgusting activity that litter dropping really is.

I also agree with the comments made about lack of courtesy. This morning as I walked past one of the local schools, a group of children aged about ten years was blocking the pavement. Upon saying 'Excuse me' and walking past, I was subjected to taunts and shouting. The one adult in the group (presumably a father), did and said nothing. Another example of ineffective parenting. Without being reprimanded no doubt these children think such behaviour is acceptable, not to mention clever in the eyes of their friends.

As for the old argument 'they're only children, you were one once yourself', well that is not excuse for cheek and rudeness, and I would never have dared to behave in the way in which I see many children behaving, particularly towards adults with no respect whatsoever.

Thanks to over zealous do gooders, what we are now seeing is the first generation of children who are growing up with inadequate discipline both at home and at school, with parents and teachers alike erring on the side of caution where discipline is concerned.

Anna Parker

Droitwich