THERE have been suggestions in the press that we make towns in Lancashire tourist attractions.

Yes, we have many lovely areas, but what we must do is keep them away from the degradation we see every day in the back streets of our towns.

The squalor left for weeks sometimes months is beyond a joke. Getting the cleansing departments to act is near impossible. You try to be public-spirited and report it, but you get the same old lines.

Quote -- It's the same in other towns -- we are short staffed. We have tried and failed, or they pass you along the line, always shifting the buck!

Some of the people responsible for the rubbish couldn't care less, and won't even ask the council for help.

This could be the scenario in any town, so what's the answer, clean up or give up?

KEITH SOWERBUTTS, Southwood Drive, Baxenden.