THE CITIZEN wants to help clean up Blackpool's image and we believe we can do something to restore the resort's pride -- with YOUR help.

The response from readers to our August 3 Page One story about sleaze and vulgarity has seen our postbag bursting at the seams. Your letters described how you have been sickened by the disgusting behaviour of some visitors, the litter-strewn streets, the tasteless novelties on sale on the Prom and the appearance of lap dance clubs.

We, too, believe that Blackpool is badly in need of a complete overhaul -- and we don't mean throwing money at conference centres or new bus stations paid for with European fund money.

Equally, we are not kill-joys. We want people to come to Blackpool to enjoy themselves as they have done for decades. But we also want them to know that the town is heartily fed up with the kind of thuggish, degrading behaviour that has become all too commonplace.

What can we do? Well, we obviously don't expect you to go around the streets asking people not to throw their litter, or drink from bottles, or do other more disgusting things in shop doorways.

But you CAN let us know what you see. Write to us describing any incident which you feel is degrading Blackpool's reputation.

You need to tell us where, when and how it happened. And, although it may be distasteful, don't spare on the details.

We will pass ALL your letters to the appropriate authority -- be it the police, the cleansing department or some other organisation. We don't expect it will bring immediate results. But over the weeks it will bring every incident, no matter how small, to the attention of those who have the authority to ACT.

The aim has to be to persuade the police and our Town Hall representatives that "zero tolerance" is the only way forward. Let's sweep away the tide of filth from Blackpool!

(You can also e-mail us -- astuttar@newsquest.co. uk)

THE EDITOR