I write to agree with P J Markwick, Tackling litter, Letters, November 15), in being pleased that something is being done about the litter in the streets of York.

I have already written to The Press remarking on how many discarded cigarette butts there are in the streets.

However, I do not blame the smokers for these. When they were allowed to smoke indoors they had the use of ashtrays.

Now they are treated like lepers and have to smoke outside they have nothing and have to get rid of their butts where they can.

Perhaps the loud-mouthed anti-smoking groups should be made to clear up this mess, as they are the true cause of it.

Jeremy D Fox, Malton Avenue, York.