I attended, as a Melksham resident, the Melksham 2000 and Beyond event which took place at The George Ward school.

It was very instructive as well as being very entertaining, and the organisers need congratulating.

It made me see Melksham in a different light, made me feel quite optimistic.

Towards the end of the weekend, we moved into groups. Our group chose to focus on the environment, and in particular on litter.

I walk a lot and would hate to see Melksham get litter-strewn, but I have to say that since saying that I would write to the Wiltshire Times to bring this problem to the people of Melksham, I have seen no litter in the town even around the many fast food outlets, and in the doorways of the many empty premises so I have concluded that our town cleaning service is exceptionally good.

One member of our group did mention the school litter problem but perhaps this is something that the school has to deal with.

Unfortunately though, we do have a litter problem with the rubbish dumped in the river.

Along the newly opened River Walk, the rubbish under the new bridges is dreadful.

I do realise that it must be expensive to keep this clear but we all know that rubbish attracts rubbish so the lesson is that it must be cleared away, if necessary, again and again. Perhaps we could publish the cost of doing this. Our young people, and indeed all residents need to be made aware that this is a cost that is unnecessary and is tying up money that could usefully be spent elsewhere.

D MCGARRY,

Elizabeth Close,

Melksham.