I WORKED in Bishopthorpe Road, York, for five years and witnessed the pupils dropping and throwing both litter and food in the street.

When confronted, some picked it up reluctantly, others were rude and abusive (usually the girls).

I reported them both to the schools and environmental health - nothing was done.

One shop which sells food would not report their disruptive behaviour for fear of losing money.

There are many elderly people who live in the area and have to tolerate their abusive remarks.

However, if one of these elderly people slipped and fell sustaining a fracture it could be a death sentence.

I cannot imagine what the tourists think when confronted by some of these scruffy, unkempt, rude and abusive pupils.

The tourists I spoke to were appalled and feel that these people should not be allowed out in their lunch break but, if it continues, a) they should be fined, b) named and shamed, c) made to clean the streets.

This behaviour is not only limited to Bishopthorpe Road, some swagger arrogantly across Scarcroft Road, dropping litter and hurling abuse and offensive remarks at motorists forced to slow down or stop.

Maybe boot camp for the worst offenders would be the answer; but some action should be taken.

K V Gruntman, Sycamore View, Upper Poppleton, York.