*WORCESTER Sea Cadets have suffered quite a lot of inconvenience and harassment down the years. I have often walked past their building in Diglis and noted with sadness that vandals and drunks leave a variety of nasty calling cards.

One of the most pointless acts in recent times was when the paving stones that formed the steps were chipped and broken by what appeared to be a hammer. Yes, I know - it's mindless. Over the last few months, the patch of grass outside has been used for illegal drinking. Obviously, no one clears up afterwards. The cans are strewn everywhere, from the towpath to the bushes. This week, I noticed the favoured brew had been Castlemaine XXXX. Remember the advert? "I wouldn't give a four-X for anything else"

Yes, I think that neatly sums up the situation.

*SQUIRRELS are going crazy at the moment as they anticipate the onset of winter, their mouths agape with all manner of nuts and acorns. Whenever I see these manic, hyper rodents, I am reminded of any number of acquaintances. Take a good look - is the person next to you really a squirrel in disguise?

*IT'S a great pity that Worcester doesn't have more people like Councillor Mike Layland running the shop. After my suggestion that those in authority should take a look at the state of the riverbank at dusk, he duly went to investigate for himself.