THE Bolton News reported recently on the prosecutions of and fines imposed upon several people for a variety of littering offences.

It occurred to me that rather than having to pay a fine, a better means of punishment would be to make the offender responsible for clearing litter from a designated area wither as a one-off or for a certain length of time.

Certainly there are many areas of town where the extent of litter is appalling and where the ability or will of the local authority to clean up does not exist.

An imposition as described above would teach a lesson to the offender, would send a message to other potential offenders, would generally benefit the townsfolk and visitors, would perhaps help to restore civic pride and have an all round impact. If such a penalty is not within the 'magistrates' rule book then here is an opportunity for Bolton to lead the way.

D H Albinson

Smithills Dean Road,

Bolton