HAVING been born and lived in St.helens for almost thirty years and lived almost an equal amount of time in the United States , I feel I am qualified to address the situation.

I find much of the negativity regarding this project quite ironic in the comments pertaining to trash and litter.

The opportunity of visiting home every two years and the weekly 'pull up' of the Star on my computer keeps me informed and updated on various and sundry topics.

It is inconceivable to me that one can assert blame on any retailer for the creation of litter and its tragic dispense anywhere other than the proper receptacle , by customers, who voluntarily visit any retailer.

Do you blame the brewery for beer can and bottle litter, the cigarette manufacturers for packs and butts on the ground, the newspaper printers for discarded newspapers, I am sure you get my direction.

It is indeed sad and objectionable to see such trash and litter strewn across the countryside, in parks and urban areas, and more so in the sanctity of the resting place of our parents and theirs.

Stop and think of what you are saying about the issue of litter (regardless of what,or where it comes from).

Who are these individuals that continue to abide by no value or concern whatsoever for rule of law or respect of anything other than themselves,

people ,they are YOUR CHILDREN !! Do not blame others for your lack of guidance or neglect to respect that of others , do not put blame upon the police department for not prosecuting your child for breaking the law, do not blame the retailer for selling your child an item which is wrapped to protect it from whatever , when it is thrown away with abandon. The blame and responsibility is that of you and your children.

This problem is not confined to St.Helens any more than the myriad of other problems which plague our society today, but assigning blame for ignorance,

lack of manners , disregard for respect and common courtesy, displayed by our youth is the problem of the family, not society, not government and surely not

the retailer of our goods.

Ian Campbell USA (via e-mail)