I AM writing in support of L Maher whose letter was published on March 30.

I too have recently been issued a fixed penalty notice for dropping a cigarette end. I too am mortified that I did it and accept that I was in the wrong.

However, I too am very annoyed at the almost entrapment techniques used by these privateers. In my case the alleged officer was hiding in a parked, unmarked car.

I had thought that the point of bringing in this private firm was to discourage littering, but like L Maher I see now that it’s just another way of taxing people, discouraging visitors to the town and lining the pockets of somebody’s crony.

Given that the alleged officer who issued the penalty notice to me was woefully inadequately dressed for the weather conditions of the day I seriously doubt if he was even on duty at the time.

Dave Milne

What do you think? Email lancsletters@nqnw.co.uk