SIR - I have had the pleasure of holidaying in Settle on many occasions over past 12 years.

In common with most parts of the UK it has to contend with irresponsible littering but I have always found the area to be spared from the worst excesses.

During a recent stay I took my customary riverside walk towards the by-pass then up to Toll Bar

Cottage on B6480. Normally I would have continued via Lodge Road but as conditions could be muddy decided to return by the main road.

From Toll Bar towards Anley House I glanced over the wall to observe a number of discarded cans.

This did not immediately register until it dawned on me that there must be countless cans amongst the shrubbery.

Hidden from sight but what a sad reflection upon our society - not by any means unique to The Dales.

Ken Cameron

Cupar

Scotland