IT is a compliment to York that it reached the cleanest city finals and to all those involved in street cleaning organisations congratulations are due (March 4).

However as your report says - each of us has a duty.

Regrettably the lack of basic respect for people and property these days is never more evidenced than by the litter on our streets every day (and especially late at night).

Most litter is caused by discarded take away food and drink containers. Come and see it around the Minster area and in shop doorways and garden areas.

Tourists and locals alike sit on the walls or steps with their burgers, cokes or fish and chips, and then just walk away

Some months ago there was a report in the national press that suggested traffic wardens were to be empowered to give on the spot fines to anyone causing litter. This was an idea I voiced several years ago. Admittedly it would not solve the problem 24 hours a day - but it might be a practical and economically viable start.

DA Brooks,

Dean Court Hotel,

Duncombe Place, York.

YORK as in the running for the cleanest city award and Mr Willey is right it is the residents who drop the litter, especially in the suburbs (Letters, March 3).

But what about the verges and reservations of the by-pass and highways into York? Who is creating a rubbish dump as far as the eye can see? The lay-bys are a disgrace. Why aren't there any refuse bins available?

If collection of litter is such a problem for the Highways Agency, and the Council, why not tap that seemingly endless supply of cheap labour - the community service individuals. There are dozens of people listed in the In Court column of your newspaper. What exactly is the community service that they do?

I say put them into collection of litter squads and let's see them in appropriate uniforms and while they are about it, they can remove the technicolour graffiti that decorates too many of our otherwise splendid new bus shelters!

Paul Cole,

Hull Road,

York.

Updated: 16:35 Friday, March 07, 2003