THE City of Manchester, once dubbed the most grimy city in Europe, has now been acclaimed to be the cleanest city in Europe. Could we send a deputation from Swindon to discover the secrets of their success?

I believe that there are many areas that need our urgent attention, one being the manner in which posters/signs that command our co-operation, are written. They are always abrupt. They are never courteous.

Another area of help to clean-up our town could come from people who are sentenced to community service, if this is not already being done.

They would be giving something back that is practical and positive which may instill a feeling of pride in their town.

For, we really do have to get rid of the filth and the graffiti. Oh yes, and that ghastly chewing gum which sticks to our shoes!

I believe that all this corporate concern would make a powerful sketch for a local drama group to visit our schools and to educate our children in their responsibility to ensure that our town is reputedly clean.

Until we achieve a town that is clean and inviting, the idea of city status is light years away.

MARY RATCLIFFE

Old Town

Swindon