I write in response to Martin Lea’s article (Echo, January 31) concerning the proposed expansion of uniformed litter patrols.

The irresponsible discarding of waste is of major concern to me – so much so, that I take washable rubber gloves with me when I go out because I know I will encounter so much rubbish blowing around.

I have, just now cleared the trail between Rodwell Avenue and Bincleaves Road which is a haunt for birds and other wildlife.

Predictably, it was full of empty plastic bottles and other plastics, cans, packaging... I gathered it and completely filled a ‘household rubbish’ bin bag, plus a carrier bag of what was recyclable – all now in my own bins awaiting collection.

More regularly I clear around Chapelhay steps, and the area there, also Jubilee Sidings where so much rubbish must get blown down into the lake.

Why do I do it? I do it because I care!

Currently, human beings are destroying our lovely natural environment.

We live here in a privileged position, with the harbour, the sea and beautiful countryside all around for us to see and enjoy.

Every piece of discarded plastic or other waste gets blown in the wind: much ends up in the waters of the harbour or sea to poison life there; much (especially that discarded along roadsides bordering open land: see as you drive to Dorchester or Bridport from Weymouth) blows into fields and is eaten by unsuspecting sheep and cattle.

I do it because I care – not for glory nor to score political points – but because no one else seems interested enough and because the council seems not to send out regular street sweepers any more: we are told they are struggling financially (blame the Government for that, which no longer funds local councils).

So we should, perhaps, feel privileged that our cash-strapped council has found the money to increase the number of litter wardens; that it is proposing to provide us with more of those chaps whose job, it appears, is to stand and swagger with self-importance, certainly not to teach by example and pluck a few bits of waste from the pavement and show us how to use a bin.

That is left to the hard-working, long-term employee who is regularly seen clearing up rubbish in the town centre.

Please, all who read this – do a little more to help our environment.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
Weymouth