I wish to comment on ‘Cleaning Up Town’ (Letters, February 10) by Barry Sampson.

The issue is far too important to ignore. When I moved to Weymouth I soon realised that the unkempt areas of vegetation of bushes and trees which surround Weymouth’s paths, pavements, roadways and railways are there to collect and retain rubbish and litter rather than for aesthetic reasons.

In fact, in certain areas, one wonders if Weymouth is a landfill site itself.

One reads constantly of the measures taken by various groups to encourage businesses to come to the area. I would suggest to them their efforts would be far better rewarded if our tired looking seaside resort was cleaned up first. After all there are many reasons to celebrate living here.

Environmental cleanliness is certainly not one of them. No excuses about staff shortages.

The labour requirement can be met from community order offenders and perhaps even volunteers.

Councillors and all residents will be familiar no doubt with the old adage ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’. Perhaps that is the first step in securing a brighter future for the borough.

JJ Gilmour

Commercial Road

Weymouth