I READ the article (Echo, Dec 3) and readers’ letters regarding littering in Darlington. Can I respectfully put forward an alternative response?

If I had been knowingly followed home from town by the litter police as reported by the mother, referring to her daughter, the last thing I would have done would be to discard my cigarette butt whilst being watched!

Secondly, and regarding the shop keeper’s assertion that the vigilance of the litter patrol is discouraging people from coming into town, I would suggest a clean town encourages footfall, especially amongst those who dislike wading through rubbish.

I regularly do a litter pick around my neighbourhood and have only ever received positive comments from passers by. I can then enjoy the walk into town along litter free streets, for a few days at least.

Those who feel intimidated or persecuted by litter wardens have a simple solution to nullify their anxiety – don’t be a litter lout.

Name and address supplied