On the subject of rubbish (Letters, July 3), I will say if we want a clean environment, we all have to accept responsibility and take pride in where we live because this is a major problem.

There is the attitude that just because it is not within the boundary of your own home, then you need not bother to pick rubbish up.

However, if every resident took the time to pick up litter from the little area of pavement and road outside their home, rather than ignoring it, it would help greatly.

It could be that further along the road someone is having to pick up a piece of your rubbish for example, after the weekly collection when it is inevitable some gets dropped and then blows along the road. This might then give the council a bit more time to clear other areas.

Unfortunately, there is also a not in my backyard' attitude.

There are clearly a lot of people who consider it acceptable to go to another road or a nearby alleyway and drop rubbish there, including dumping large items and whole liners of garden refuse, rather than taking their garbage home or using council disposal facilities. Yet, it is unlikely they would drop rubbish outside their own homes or use their gardens as tips.

There should be more bins, especially near food takeaway shops, and perhaps there should be a better system of clearance by the council.

But the council is fighting a losing battle and will continue to do so until attitudes change towards the disposal of rubbish in all areas of the community.

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July 17, 2002 16:00