MADAM, In response to the call for a DIY Herefordshire Tidy Campaign', people in the Callow, Haywood and Grafton area have a litter watch network and would be very pleased to link up with other communities to make this a countywide scheme.

Herefordshire Council waste management department is supporting it. The principle is simple - local people volunteer to keep a small area near their homes litter-free. Someone co-ordinates the project with a map of the community covered, marking who has adopted which area. An annual litter pick gives the whole area a thorough spring clean followed by a cream tea at a local hotel.

Our group is working with the council to produce signs for areas where an active litter watch network is working.

These will: inform the public people in the area care enough about their environment to pick up other peoples' litter, hopefully causing some to think again about dropping rubbish; and it will encourage volunteers to keep doing their bit knowing they are not alone but part of a wider network.

It is simple and effective and there is no reason why every community shouldn't have their own network, just as Neighbourhood Watch spread nationally. This could help to change public awareness about litter in a big way.

Anyone who would like to think about setting up a network can get in touch with the Parish Outline Group on 01432 276966 for information about how to get started.

Wendy Harvey,

Parish Outline Group.