SIR,

I have been a regular visitor to Monmouth ever since my parents brought me here on holiday as a small boy.

I have always enjoyed walking, cycling, running and generally taking in the scenery of this beautiful part of the world.

Unfortunately over the years I have seen a persistent problem that only seems to be getting worse: litter. The litter you see in the picture was collected by me as I ran from the main road to the top of the Kymin and back again.

I had to stop picking halfway down as my bin bag was already full.

Now dear readers imagine this: A group of tourists decides to take a walk from the Wye bridge to the top of the Kymin and the Naval Monument as their guide book states that this is a pleasant walk and a great introduction to the history and vistas of Monmouthshire.

Now imagine their horror as they look to their left from the pavement and see nothing but an array of discarded litter.

It simply implies that Monmothians do not care about their town. Is this the impression Monmouth wants to give its visitors? Is this the respect it has for itself?

The council must do something about this problem or risk losing more visitors such as myself.

R Delaney