THE Worcester News has been banging the drum over the Faithful City's litter problem in recent times. That's as it should be - this summer's council campaign has been little more than tough talk and good intentions.

Yesterday, we were treated to a textbook exercise in buck-passing regarding the disgraceful state of the River Severn in the vicinity of South Quay. This newspaper is most certainly not impressed.

Let's get one thing straight. We shouldn't have to point this out to certain people, but actions speak far louder than words and the state of some paths and verges is testimony to the fact that the anti-social minority are going about their grubby activities with impunity.

However, over on the Blackpole estate, teenagers - that most maligned of species - have been setting an example to their elders but not necessarily betters. Not only have they been retrieving dumped shopping trolleys, but they've also inspired other neighbourhoods to clean up their acts.

This project worked on a very simple basis. The youngsters were divided into teams and the winners received a number of vouchers that could be redeemed at Worcester stores. The end result was that supermarkets were reunited with their trolleys, the environment was improved... and there was something for the girls and boys, too.

It seems that the carrot, rather than the stick, can often work wonders. Those in power should now cut the talk, shelve the "initiatives" and start doing what they are paid or elected to do. Let's see some ideas.