HOW very true was the article (March 10) regarding the banks of the River Irwell in Radcliffe.

The area is strewn with litter, some of which appears to have come from companies situated on the river banks.

As you cross the bridge leading to Outwood Park and look left along the river, it is apparent that some local companies are using the river bank as a dumping ground. But don't think litter is confined only to the river banks in Radcliffe.

Whole areas along the Irwell banks are complete eyesores because of all the rubbish. The river flows through the Burrs Country Park, which is a very well-maintained beauty spot - until you look at the river, that is. There is every type of rubbish imaginable along its banks.

A ranger at Burrs told me it was a problem but it was down to the Environment Agency to clean it up. This part of the river is a favourite spot for canoeists of all ages and an asset to the town, but it is being ruined by litter.

As the river flows, it passes through what could be a lovely area in front of Peel Mills. Unfortunately, this too is blighted by rubbish, but not just in the river. The whole area is a disgrace, even though it is regularly used as a short-cut from the Woodhill area to the town centre.

A town situated on a river should be enhanced by such a location.Unfortunately, in the case of the River Irwell, it is something that only serves to make the borough look dirty and uncared for - which, in fact, it is.

We have mechanical litter carts chugging around the town centre and other public areas, though I would question their real effectiveness. However, in addition, it is time something was done in areas which aren't so high-profile, such as outside the town hall and away from the town centre.

BRIAN BARNES