OUR opinion columns have been regularly devoted to it, our Seven Days Saturday feature has endlessly talked about the subject... and the residents of Worcester are now demanding that action is taken. What are we talking about? Why, the continuing problems on the riverbank, as if you didn't know.

St John's resident Jamie Knight is the latest in a long line of citizens demanding that something is done about the drip-drip of anti-social and drink-fuelled behaviour now affecting both sides of the Severn.

On any day of the week, it is possible to walk from say, the old Dog and Duck ferry to Diglis and witness any number of the tiresome, unpleasant acts committed by those who have nothing else to do but become inebriated and make the lives of others a misery. And if you need convincing, just take a look at today's main letter.

But where are the councillors, so eager to curry favour with us all at election time? And where are the police beat patrols? Why is it so difficult for representatives of the handsomely-funded forces of law and order to actually walk from the Watergate to South Quay, or take a promenade along Bromwich Parade and then past the Worcester News offices in Hylton Road?

A petition collected by Mr Knight is being presented to Worcester City Council. However, we suggest he goes further and involves MP Mike Foster, for this official inertia must now come to a speedy end.

Worcester has to decide whether it wants a city that's attractive to residents and tourists or surrenders its open spaces to offensive drunks and louts. It's as simple as that.