Devizes is rapidly decaying into an environmental mess a matter of concern to its citizens, a discouragement to local business development, and the thin end of the wedge into associated social degradation.

Things need to be put right in short order by our newly empowered councils using a two-pronged approach, tackling cause and effecting remedy.

First, a considerable proportion of the environmental deterioration is caused by the actions of irresponsible people. When they litter the place, when they damage and destroy public facilities, they are committing crimes. These are not crimes of violence against persons but they are still crimes akin to stealing against the pockets of taxpayers who are called upon to foot the bills for clean-up and repair!

Second the councils' programmes of clean-up, repair, somewhat improved of late but are still evidently unconcerted, remain woefully inadequate.

The problem of litter is far from being contained. Mobile vacuum cleaners which could be capitalised through the heavy taxes levied on cigarettes, appear to be unknown to our authorities. Food droppings are left to decay, together with excreta, to become breeding points for pathogenic bacteria. In fact, much of the centre of Devizes could do with a damned good going over with pressure hoses.

Then there are broken pavements all over the place, which can bring about injuries. When they are eventually repaired all we seem to get are cheap black bitumen patches as replacements to original paving stones. This hotch-potch is not good enough. Devizes deserves better.

Then there are damaging and unsightly weeds. The entire central area of the town abounds with weeds. The councils' neglect in not tackling the weeds can only mean repair or replacement bills, for the paving, stonework, and masonry. Goodness knows what visitors think of us!

Our councils need to get a proper grip on all the constituent elements that contribute towards a fully comprehensive control policy securing a satisfactory environmental condition for the town. The electors pay a lot through our taxes and we are being short-changed.

B Saville

Devizes