THERE has been much mentioned in the media regarding smoking in public places. However, one of the biggest threats to the environment is our attitude to litter in our green spaces, hedgerows, footpaths, etc.

I have been retired for just over 12 months and often go on litter walks.

It is amazing how much litter there is and how people accept this as the norm'.

Regularly I walk from the Lowercroft area of Bury into town and to Ainsworth Village. In the course of one journey I can fill the equivalent of two black sacks of rubbish, all of which I deposit in strategically placed litter bins.

On the return walk I collect cans and plastic bottles. My blue recycling bin is full every fortnight ready for collection by the council. In that time I have only encountered once a council-employed litter walker.

The council does its best to make people aware of the problem by placing posters on bins in the town centre threatening fines of £50 to persons found depositing litter.

Upon asking the local Community Police Officers about the issuing of these fines I was told that they are not empowered to do so. The question is who is?

Fly tipping is not a large problem. Full marks to the council for removing a fly tipped leather suite on Dow Lane within two days of it being reported.

Two of our worst blackspots are at some of our beauty spots', ie Elton Reservoir and Withins Reservoir.

Local farmers have done their best to persuade visitors to take their litter home with them, but with very little success.

Bury often gets awards for the beauty of the parks and open spaces.

Let us maintain this standard. It is up to us all.

ENVIRONMENTALIST Jimmy Tew Lowercroft Road Starling, Bury