WHEN it comes to litter, we are a filthy country; selfish and devoid of community spirit.

The government should launch a serious national campaign, properly resourced and backed by draconian sanctions, to make litter louts see the error of their ways and take their litter home.

At this time of year, when all the leaves have gone, we see the discarded rubbish at its worst.

What must foreigners think when they drive down the A19, or along the A174, through east Cleveland? Disgusting!

Local authorities can no longer afford to keep on top of the problem.

Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon should revive David Cameron’s concept of the Big Society and ask the public to help clear up the mess, particularly in their own streets, estates and villages.

The population of the UK is approximately 66m. If each of us undertook to pick up just one item of litter a day, the country would be clean in a week; and if only half our citizens took part, it would take just a fortnight.

Steve Kay, Redcar and Cleveland councillor