I WOULD like to comment on the filthy slobs who spoil the paved areas of Church Square and surrounding streets with chewing gum.

The attitude of people is that someone else will clean it up.

How sad and how short sighted.

When Church Square and Hardshaw Street , Barrow Street etc were all relaid a few years ago I honestly thought it was one of the finest examples of paving I had seen anywhere.

Now the council in an attempt to remove the gum, has resorted to using a mechanical sweeper fitted with brushes.

I would estimate that every pass of this machine takes years off the life of the pavings.

Just take a walk outside Marks and Spencer and see for yourself the damage which is being done.

I dread to think what the repair/replacement costs will be in a few short years.

I hate to see the town centre being treated this way.

Notices in the tech college and schools telling pupils and students of the problem would help to drive home this issue.

The foolish actions of these idiots are driving people out of the shops in the town centre.

The council needs to attract new businesses into the town.

Do they put out brochures extolling the virtues of the town with a slogan: “Come and invest in St Helens where the streets are paved in gum?”

I love St Helens as do many of my friends but we are rapidly seeing our love turn to disgust.

M.A.Norcross