Sir, - With reference to the report on the litter problem in Northallerton (D&S Apr 23), I agree with Coun Coulson that litter in the town is increasing. I feel though that it is a community responsibility to tackle it.

It is time to move away from the "something must be done" attitude to a "what can I do?" mentality. There will always be people who drop litter, however, these are still in the minority.

The key is education. It is about telling your children, grandchildren, friends and parents to 'bin it'.

It will involve shops becoming more aware of packaging. In Tesco for example, few people question the fact that an item, packaged multiple times still gets packed in a plastic bag. Perhaps customers should be asked if they want a bag, rather than being given one automatically.

Another option would be to charge for plastic bags, as happens in France and Ireland.

As a society we have become a slave to plastic - we are addicted.

My last suggestion is simple and would make a huge difference. As you walk down the High Street and the Tesco alley, pick some of the litter up. People see you and may do the same.

Most of the litter is harmless, freshly dropped crisp packets or carrier bags. I have been picking up litter for a few years now and I haven't come down with any strange disease.

If you see people dropping litter, have the confidence to ask them to pick it up. Yes, you may get abuse but at least you have the strength of your convictions.

If you and me take on some of this responsibility, then there is less need for anger. What can we possibly learn from people constantly cleaning up after us? It merely perpetuates the "someone else will do it" apathy that exists.

It is time to stop abdicating our responsibility because while you and I are doing this, it gives permission for everyone else to do the same.

EMMA CASSON

Environmental youth worker

Kirkby Fleetham,

Northallerton.

Thoughtless

Sir, - I am pleased to note (D&S, Apr 23) that the councils in Northallerton are to discuss the topic of litter in the town.

However, nobody has yet pointed out that if thoughtless people took their litter home, the problem would hardly exist.

Daily emptying of litter bins would encourage people to dispose of their litter responsibly.

E TYNDALL

Hutchinson Drive,

Northallerton.

Good and the bad

Sir, - It is my pleasure to bring to the notice of Sowerby residents that we have a "new kid on the block". namely Sid Atkinson, who is now our new street cleaner.

In the last four weeks I have seen a vast improvement in the way Sowerby is now cleaned, especially along the Flatts Walk where I work daily. Keep up the excellent work, Sid, and if you pass him on his round say "Hello" and tell him so.

The brickbat goes to the people who let their dogs foul the Flatts Walk, football field and diagonal pathway over the football field which now resembles a dog poo minefield.

Some of us are responsible dog walkers and we know some of the culprits who are not.

The other brickbat goes out to those responsible for the dog warden. The chances of seeing a dog warden here are less than winning the lottery. Catching two our three would put an end to it pretty quickly.

Come on Hambleton District Council, get your finger out.

ROBERT MINICAN

Mowbray Place,

Sowerby,

Thirsk.

New name

Sir, - On behalf of the trustees of the Durham Community Alarm Trust, I would like to place on record my appreciation for all the goodwill, and positive support which has been given to us during this particularly difficult period when Teesdale District Council withdrew its support - solely and inexplicably because the trust has been prudent in managing its resources.

We have been heartened by the generous degree of financial support we have received from several sources.

We are delighted by the continued support we have received, and thankfully will continue to receive, both from the Primary Care Trust and Durham County Council social services, without whose help the trust would undoubtedly cease to exist and so we are able to look forward with confidence to serving the needs of the people in the Dales in future years.

In order to obviate any further confusion that has been shown in some quarters, the trustees have been in communication with the Charity Commissioners who have agreed that, in future, the trust shall be known as the "Dales Community Alarm Trust" with the subtitle, "Serving Teesdale and Upper Weardale".

This reflects accurately the area we serve.

Finally, may I use your good offices to place on record our appreciation of the work that is done by our co-ordinators and volunteers without whose care and devotion we would be unable to support the 400-plus vulnerable members of our own community, indeed providing a service with a very substantial "value added component".

Rev J A MOORE

Dales Community Alarm Trust,

Claire House,

Victoria Road,

Barnard Castle.

Your heroes

Sir, - The Northumbrian Association is again asking D&S Times readers to nominate an individual for the Hotspur Award.

This silver spur is based on the famous Charlton Spur of North Tynedale and carries the name of one of the region's most famous sons, Harry Hotspur. The award is made annually to a living personality, who "through bold endeavour" has brought credit to the North-East.

Last year awards were made to: Brendan Foster, international athlete and founder of the Great North Run and Neil Rami who has done so much of the planning for the exciting Newcastle/Gateshead initiatives of the next five years.

Any one of the last year's nominees would have been a worthy winner and their names will go forward automatically for this year's judging. The judges have a hard job, as there are many ways in which individuals make their contribution.

Amongst the great strengths of our region are the resilience, talent and character of its people. Help us to celebrate these with our own award which is genuinely from the people to someone who inspires or serves us today.

You may nominate whoever you wish, just write the name of the person you propose and a sentence or so as to why they deserve the award. It would be helpful if you also included your own name and address, as a prize will be awarded to one of the proposers of the successful nomination. Send it to: The Northumbrian Association, PO Box 78, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1WD.

Please do it today or this week, as judging will take place later in May for the winner to be announced at a special dinner in June.

MIKE TICKELL

Chairman, Northumbrian Association

Hexham.