OVER the past months my disappointment in the litter dropping habits of the populace of our otherwise lovely town has been growing to the point where I feel obliged to write to express my feelings.

OVER the past months my disappointment in the litter dropping habits of the populace of our otherwise lovely town has been growing to the point where I feel obliged to write to express my feelings.

My husband, a fairly tolerant man, feels that a sign should be erected saying, 'Welcome to Portishead; the Litter Capital of the South West!'

So may I suggest the following tactics some of which we could all adopt if we so choose.'

So may I suggest a policy which we could all adopt, if we so choose.

We take our litter home with us. We make it our responsibility to keep the frontage of each of our houses or flats clear of litter and weeds. On longer walks - as my husband and I both do - carry a bag and, if squeamish, some plastic gloves, and pick up any litter we see. For shorter outings - say to the village - try to pick up at least one piece of litter per outing, be it bottles, cans or the ever present McDonald or Greggs bags. Shops which sell commodities which can be eaten should be encouraged to clear their grounds regularly of waste; the Co-op is the worst offender here,

although it might justifiably claim that what flies into the windswept hedges which boarder its car park are not its concern.

But McDonald's, Waitrose, Budgens, Greggs, Catherine's Bakery, Costa and all the cafes which sell take-away drinks and/or food are all responsible - or should be - for what happens to food containers leaving their premises.

Teach our children and grandchildren what to do with rubbish.

Remind those non-food outlet shops new to the area that broken glass and general detritus are not the best advertisement of their goods.

In general, take a pride in our town and its beautiful environs. We are so lucky to live here, let's not spoil it - for ourselves or for anyone else.

And lastly - bully - and continue to bully - both our local council and North Somerset to provide more litter bins and dog bins and to empty them regularly.

I do hope that some residents will take note of this and maybe adopt at least one of the suggestions. Then we can remain as truly proud of Portishead as we, its lucky residents, should be.

DR JUDITH CARR

Slade Road, Portishead