EARLIER this year I spent two weeks in a small town where there was virtually no litter or graffiti and where children's toys and bicycles could be left in front gardens knowing that they would still be there next morning. In York a bicycle would disappear if left for five minutes!

No, it wasn't paradise, it was a small town in Michigan, USA.

I suppose I shouldn't compare this small American town with an English city or a Detroit slum.

Nor should I compare York with Moss Side or Brixton.

But, sadly, York is spoiled by litter-louts, and yobbish anti-social behaviour and no one seems to care or be prepared to do anything about it.

Much of the litter comes from the unpleasant habit of people eating their meals and drinking and smoking in the streets. I saw none of this in Michigan.

When I visit other countries and see the pride their citizens take in their towns I feel ashamed of the filthy state of York - particularly, for example, places such as the Askham Bar Park & Ride site which, for some, is their first introduction to our city.

The Park & Ride staff tell me that it is not their job to pick up litter. So whose job is it? I should have thought that if the staff had pride in their work they would automatically keep the place clean and tidy.

I fail to see why householders do not keep the immediate area around their houses clean - if only for their own sakes.

Sadly, parents and schools are now unwilling, or unable, to teach children self-control and what is decent or acceptable behaviour.

York has so much to offer with its history and its buildings etc but, sadly, it is fast becoming a slum.

J M Foulis,

Ashbourne Place,

York.

Updated: 10:26 Friday, September 06, 2002