I WRITE in response to the letter from Heather Causnett about City of York Council's latest initiative to combat litter (July 14).

We have seen a significant improvement in cleanliness standards over the past 12 months, but we cannot rest on our laurels. Ways of recognising the contribution of those who are responsible with their litter have been trialled by other councils with some success.

Enforcement and street cleaning are just two solutions to the £1.5 million litter problem in our city and we are keen to find more.

I agree with Ms Causnett that seven street environment officers cannot possibly solve the problem of litter on their own.

This is where citizenship and local pride become so important and, as part of York Community Pride and York Business Pride, everyone can contribute towards making York a cleaner city by taking litter off our streets.

There are many unsung heroes in York who readily do their bit to keep their neighbourhood and the city clean and tidy, and it is these people we wish to applaud and see recognised.

We thank those businesses that have already contributed to the initiative, and trust that the Evening Press will help us to publicly thank those involved at the end of the campaign.

I would encourage any businesses that haven't received a letter but would like to support this worthwhile campaign, to contact the Street Environment Service via York Pride Action Line on 551551.

Jackie Armitage,

Street Environment Manager,

Blake Street, York.

Updated: 10:40 Wednesday, July 27, 2005