I WAS saddened to read the funeral notice in The Press of February 28 for Douglas Heald. Doug and I rubbed shoulders on many occasions at the Friends of Clifton Backies meetings or events, along with other events around York.

I was further saddened that Carol had been threatened by a youth on the site, at all, but so shortly after Doug’s death.

Doug spent a great deal of time voluntarily clearing up rubbish, even the inevitable dog poo bags, from the Backies. One of his most recent group activities had been leading an art walk on the Backies, which was well appreciated.

If people could do one thing in Doug’s memory it would be to stop littering the site, help collect litter and rubbish and take their dog’s poo to the bins or home. The problem with dog poo and the general appearance on the Backies is that is discourages schools and school children from active participation on there, which is what Doug fondly recalled from his childhood on many occasions.

While York has a minority of people that litter and leave dog poo bags around, it has a dire shortage of people willing to clear up after them in the parks and open spaces. With all the council cuts they no longer have the staff to do litter picking, and even contract it out on many occasions.

Dr Mick Phythian, York Natural Environment Trust, Monkton Road, York.