Importance of clean-up

That process must continue, not just in the town centre but also in the surrounding areas of Darlaston. I think an ideal time would be in the main school holidays when the children could join in the litter-pick on a voluntary basis.

The condition of the local environment directly affects the standard of life here and in our most vulnerable areas, squalor can spread fear and a sense of helplessness.

It has always been a core belief of mine that if you treat people with dignity they will respond in kind.

Quality local environments for everyone means a better quality of life for all and Walsall Council has a duty to create clean, safe, and green places for everyone.

I shall remember 2005 as the year when our country started to become cleaner. Let 2007 be a time when that promise was fulfiled and we could at last look out on a country we are proud of.

Last year, saw the introduction of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act – the most important piece of legislation covering the open space since The Environmental Protection Act hit the Statute books in 1990.

The new legislation makes it much easier to fine those who damage our environments with litter, graffiti and fly tipping.

But are sanctions really the best way to clean up Britain? Should we run more education campaigns aimed at stopping this anti-social behaviour or indeed are graffiti and fly posting really just a part of urban life?

William Davis, Hall Street East, Wednesbury.