I have been reminded recently of how, over time, one becomes accustomed to compromised standards. It is a form of complacency, I suppose, prompted by some premature acceptance that one can do little about it and a concern that righteous and valid criticism becomes whingeing.

It was a visitor who recently did the reminding. They were on a trip from overseas and, during their short stay, were constantly horrified by the lack of cleanliness in the town.

They commented on the litter and dog fouling, and that no one seemed concerned, least of all the people responsible for the maintenance of a clean and safe environment.

Although I had to agree with their criticism, I found myself being slightly defensive in the face of their concern, realising that many local people being not too highly educated and on low income, are not much concerned about this.

The maintenance of a clean environment has little to do with education and income. The various difficulties that face our town influence the disposal of resources, perhaps to the detriment of waste services, is true enough, but it is not the people employed to clean up who will solve the problem, even though they can surely do considerably better.

During summer months and fine weather, one can visit the delightful beachfront and Esplanade. Litter is almost as prominent as the hordes of visitors, notwithstanding the fact there are numerous litter bins, as well as notices and facilities for recycling. Public toilets are also often far from acceptable in a seaside resort that hopes to attract tourists.

Public education in the matter of environmental cleanliness is clearly deficient, for litter is attributable not to those who are expected to clean it up, but those who put it there.

If people do not know any better they should be reminded by enforcement agencies which should be ensuring that laws, are observed.

Barry Sampson, Newstead Road, Weymouth