I WOULD like to add my fourpenn’orth to the debate about the cleanliness of the streets in York.

I think the street cleaners have a difficult task with all the people who visit and live in York making a mess because let’s face it the litter/mess/muck doesn’t just appear does it? Somebody puts it there!

In the olden days when Adam was a lad each shop/pub/business used to sweep the pavement outside their property then swill it down.

This was often the job given to the youngest or more junior member of the workforce. Pride was taken in this task and it is one which can be seen on travels abroad.

What is wrong with each shop/pub/business being accountable for their own shop front? Why is it always somebody else’s job? I do realise of course that it is always somebody else that put the rubbish/muck there in the first place!

Sweepingly yours.

Chris Elliott, Layerthorpe, York.