The HIT Litter campaign run by HRG led Henley in Bloom could not agree more about the litter problem in Henley. For the past few years we have tried to bring to everyone's attention the growing disgrace in our lovely town. Last year HRG initiated, with the Henley Youth Council, a cleanest school competition which was enormously successful in terms of trying to focus young people's minds on their surroundings. The week culminated in a litter pick around the town centre, recreation areas and roadways. To the shame of everyone who lives in Henley we filled a record number of bags – over 100. It is very dispiriting though when over the following weeks the litter once again appears.

We invite all local organizations to take part and help. We cannot blame one group of people with littering – it is everyone's responsibility. What can we do? Well, tackle anyone you see dropping litter. Do not walk past litter on the ground. If everyone picks up one piece it will soon be cleared up. Extra bins are not the answer, as you will appreciate from our experience this makes no difference whatsoever.

Talk to your children about the effects of littering on their community. If a bin is full take litter home. Do not use street bins for your household rubbish – this is another big problem which causes overflowing bins, which causes rubbish to be strewn around. If you are a shopkeeper take some responsibility for the frontage of your business and keep it clear of litter. If you are a resident look outside your house and keep that clear. Litter attracts litter.

Let's all take responsibility for this big problem.

Mayor Liz Hodgkin