IN a letter you published from Garth Alger, he complains that Bromsgrove "is bordering on a dump" and he castigates our council and our MP for this. He claimed that "the roads are a disgrace, most pavements are dangerous and there is rubbish and graffiti everywhere."

His gratuitous insults to our MP show he is ill-informed, for she has no responsibility for road maintenance, rubbish removal or graffiti clearance. To say "she has done very little for the people of Bromsgrove" just displays ignorance.

Yes, there are instances of rubbish and graffiti, but not "everywhere as they are mostly associated with places where young people congregate, as glances down School Drive will prove.

Bromsgrove is home to thousands of people who have bought houses so as to live close to congenial work; or to be near to good schools; to be near to good road and rail services; to live near to real countryside, and/or to enjoy the good sport and cultural opportunities which Bromsgrove offers to young and old.

Owners have pride in their homes and no doubt pride in their town and will object to Mr Alger's description of Bromsgrove as a 'dump'.

I have little doubt that the vast majority of the 600+ members of The Bromsgrove Society certainly do, as would the society's 30 corporate business members who work in the town.

I believe the readers of your newspaper could make a huge difference by showing outwardly their belief and pride in Bromsgrove, so to influence our neighbours and acquaintances with the need to take a pride in our town and in ourselves. Public spirit has rarely been more needed.

Graham Reddie

President of The Bromsgrove Society