ON March 20 I parked (free) in Gladstone Street to visit Darlington. On my way to and through the underpass I could not help but notice the amount of litter lying about.

Disgraceful really, but a continuing sign of the times. However, recently I wrote to HAS about the £26m unclaimed in benefits by the people of Darlington every year. The money is supplied by central government.

Instead of this money remaining unclaimed could it not be used to employ ten litter pickers, full time, in the borough of Darlington, paying at least the living wage. The individuals would be given their own areas to cover.

The occupation is not a demeaning task.

My wife and I do it for free and will continue to do so until the good lord takes us or we get an official permanent person doing the job. I prefer the latter.

I have noticed one about in our area from time to time and it does make a difference if only for a short time. Haughton Road always seems to need attention and I noticed recently Salisbury Terrace.

Mike Taylor, Darlington