From time to time we see in the Lancashire Telegraph pictures of community-spirited people getting together to do a neighbourhood clean-up. Nothing wrong in that.

But I ask myself, is Blackburn with Darwen Council going about this in the wrong way in trying to clean up this increasingly scruffy town?

It is no good asking decent people to clean up because the people mucking up have no intention of joining in.

A better idea would be to start educating the people who throw everything out on to the streets and back alleys, for example.

Here are a few ideas: Highly-visible anti-litter posters explaining that you will be dealt with if you are found making a mess.

Talks from councillors in schools and community centres and anywhere else where people meet.

If people muck this town up, they will face heavy fines and, if on benefits, it will be taken from source.

Also, some could be given unpaid community service sweeping the streets.

We need to get tough because, unless we do, decent people will continue to clean up until the cows come home.

H Hamer.