THE Moores Walk/Church Walk area of St Neots is constantly strewn with litter and cigarette ends. Much of the litter is discarded packaging from food sold by the fish and chip shop and Somerfield. Youngsters tend to gather in the garden in front of the U

THE Moores Walk/Church Walk area of St Neots is constantly strewn with litter and cigarette ends. Much of the litter is discarded packaging from food sold by the fish and chip shop and Somerfield.

Youngsters tend to gather in the garden in front of the United Reformed Church and the covered space behind it. The raised flowerbed in front of Somerfield has been vandalised so often that the council appears to have abandoned it to the yobs.

Councils have recently acquired stronger powers to combat uncivilised behaviour. Some towns are using them and St Neots must follow suit.

The battle must not be given up. The abandoned flowerbed could be planted with prickly shrubs. Our community support officers should be visible frequently, talking to the offending youngsters and, if necessary, handing out on-the-spot fines. Cleaning machines that sweep up cigarette litter should be deployed.

But the community must also act. Cannot store managers be made responsible for cleaning the front and rear of their premises? Why don't they do it anyway as a matter of business sense and civic pride? Why doesn't the council charge the stores for cleaning up the detritus of their businesses?

And we individual citizens need to be ready to challenge those behaving badly, instead of always seeking a quiet life by looking the other way.

We have lived in St Neots for five years, and - unlike one of your previous correspondents - find it a marvellous place to live. But it could be so much better. Why can't we have a campaign to make it East Anglia's best-kept town? We would be willing to contribute financially and perhaps in more active ways, if someone in authority or with influence will resolve to take the necessary initiative.

AUDREY and TONY CRAMPS, Old Market Court, St Neots