In January this year, two important Echo articles and a public question asked at a BCP Council meeting effectively publicised the continuing chronic inability of the environmental department to keep the appearance of public areas in Bournemouth in proper order – especially regarding the prompt removal of ALL graffiti, the creation of an appropriate grass mowing policy and the better supervision of commercial waste bins.

Sadly, two months on, for all the well-meaning words of local government representatives, no immediately applicable measures to tackle these persistent problems have emerged.

Read more: Bournemouth Civic Society calls on council to clean up town centre

If things go on like this, the unique quality of the surroundings of Bournemouth, which are one of the main attractions for visitors to our town, will be very seriously compromised.

You only have to observe the disgusting mess created by the illegal placing of private, industrial sized rubbish bins on public land by the alley beside the National Westminster Bank in the Square, to observe what an incompetent and arrogant attitude now pervades the council environment department.

Read more: Street blighted as boxes, an ironing board, mattress and chair flytipped

This state of affairs has existed for well over a year – and quite frankly it is high time that the present portfolio holder for the environment within the council, is removed and a fully comprehensive, integrated system of graffiti, landscaping and public rubbish control established by a proper committee – at the very latest by the end of May, this year.

John Soane,

BA, PhD Built environment consultant,

Bournemouth Civic Society

Durley Gardens, Bournemouth