IN the nineteenth century 'progressive' Europeans were responsible for helping a parasite to spread Yellow Fever throughout the African continent.

There was a high mortality rate amongst the indigenous population.

Then we had the expansion of Maoism during the Cold War when the contagion was spread to the Third World by the Yellow Peril.

Economies collapsed wholesale.

Now Blackpool is about to be hit by the Yellow Plague.

The bright yellow lines, which are the most obvious symptoms of this virulent virus, are breaking out in our streets.

Thank goodness that Blackpool Council is, as always, ever vigilant.

New yellow signs giving a health warning have sprung up like daffodils in spring on lampposts throughout the town.

Unfortunately, the signs do not warn about the pernicious carries of this plague, whose hatching period is early November.

They have similar markings to other less deadly species, which lulls their unsuspecting prey into a false sense of security.

Their natural habitats are busy tourism and shopping areas and the demise of these areas is a real possibility.

However, every cloud has a silver lining.

Or should that be a yellow one?

Victims of the plague can rid themselves of the problem by following the directions on the tickets, which the council will be sticking enthusiastically on car windscreens in the areas where the plague manifests itself.

All that is required to rid oneself of the malady is to make a generous contribution to the council's depleted coffers and keep well clear of the infected area in the future.

Mrs M Hagan, Alexandra Road, Blackpool