Blame public for the mess (From South Wales Argus)

Blame public for the mess

3:21pm Monday 18th March 2013 in Letters

THE recent article regarding Newport having the dirtiest streets in Wales stems, in my mind, from a sense of apathy and indifference on the part of a majority of the public today.

Many simply think nothing of throwing litter down, and ignore the rubbish strewn in the gutter, and on the pavement outside their homes. At one time, it was a matter of pride to keep the house frontage clean – not any more. The latest phenomenon is simply dumping unwanted items, even furniture, mattresses etc, on to the pavement, in the hope that it will disappear (if it’s metal, it probably will, whether you want it to or not). Also, on windy days, as recently, salvage boxes are the main source of litter, where plastic bottles in un-lidded boxes are easy meat for a swirling wind. A good example of “rubbish blindness” can be seen (or, if you suffer from this affliction, ask a friend to describe it), in the Kings Hotel car park at the top of Dock Street. Where as a result of nocturnal, al fresco dining, a pile of cans, bottles and food containers has been slowly amassing between the wall and a portable building – this, in the centre of the city.

Derek Everett Crindau Road Newport