Last updated at 07:04, Friday, 26 February 2010

I MADE the drive south to see my parents last week. It should have been an easy journey but, as usual, the traffic slowed almost to a standstill.

The inevitable parade of traffic cones appeared again. Instead of getting stressed out I decided to enjoy a slow meander along the A69 on my way to the A1 and enjoy some cool jazz along the way.

At first it worked like a charm. Bob Mintzer plays a mean saxophone solo, much to my delight. Even his compositions could not sooth my mood when I realised why the cones were out.

These lines of plastic sentries have been appearing to protect the workers collecting litter from along the carriageway. Once past the cleaned area I became aware of the filth scattered along our highways and byways.

The car in front had a personalised number plate but showed no pride in our countryside as a plastic package sailed out of the window. Is it beyond their intelligence to keep their rubbish and put it in a bin?

Our towns and cities are sinking under the weight of discarded crisp packets, cigarettes and chewing gum. Will the last one out please turn off the lights?

Thank you for the world so sweet

Thank you for the food we eat

Thank you for the birds that sing

Thank you God for everything... except litter

First published at 06:13, Friday, 26 February 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk