SIR: No doubt the drains in Winchester need cleaning out, as do those in Swanmore.

However the question that should be asked is why so many drains are blocked and what with?

As a member of a litter picking team for over 20 years my experience is that it is often due to inconsiderate human behaviour.

Much of the rubbish dropped by pedestrians and car drivers ends up in the drains including sweet papers, lolly sticks, drink cartons and cans, pizza boxes etc.

I have also experienced people depositing in drains their bags of dog poo, crisp packets, stamped on metal drink cans and bottles together with many other items. This all contributes to the blockages.

This problem is a combination of our throwaway society and lack of funding for public services. The answer is in our hands.

Crawford Wright,

Chapel Road,

Swanmore