Rubbish is seen everywhere around Falmouth over the Christmas and new year period. Householders put out bags of rubbish regardless of the time lapse before the next collection.

Blame for any litter can always be attributed to seagulls, but in many cases the birds are not to blame. Many bags are simply left unfastened and the yobbos, of whom there is no shortage, do the rest.

Falmouth's litter problem is perennial and apparently intractable. In recent years Britain has earned the unenviable title of the most untidy country in the European Union and some towns and cities have heeded the unwelcome message and are trying to reverse the decline in street cleanliness.

Where litter is found efforts are made to trace its source and, if successful, those responsible are prosecuted.

Locally, I'm afraid the powers that be seem unable to do more than wring their hands and utter pious hopes that public co-operation and consultation and so on, will solve the problem.

Publishing this letter will, unfortunately achieve little. For those who share my views I am only preaching to the converted and those who do not will ignore it. However, I would I ask you to bring it to the notice of those who have any influence on the conduct of the town's business.

J K Lyon, Claremont Terrace, Falmouth