Much of Scotland is bracing itself for the sight of piles of rubbish in the streets as a council bin workers’ strike looms.

The topic was discussed at length this week by our columnist Mark Smith.

Read his article here

Today, however, a correspondent issues a call to action to Herald readers.

John Gilligan of Ayr writes:

"I have to agree with most of Mark Smith's article. My respect for people who work in the cleansing departments is not in doubt. My letter is actually more of a plea to my fellow citizens. Please do not add to the problem by dumping litter outside overflowing bins.

It’s not just during a strike we see this but it’s quite a regular occurrence outside shops, convenience stores and supermarkets. Personal responsibility is becoming a thing of the past. I’m always saddened by this especially when I sometimes see a bin maybe a few yards away that isn’t full and lazy people stuff things into the already-overflowing ones.

As for motorists who have polluted almost every part of our roadsides, particularly slip roads off motorways, for goodness sake have some pride in our country. My respect for our workers means I try to help them wherever possible, not disrespect them by expecting them to clear up my mess.

In “olden days” as my grandson calls them, shopkeepers were outside early morning sweeping up their wee bit in front of their premises. That seems to have stopped. Even domestically if every home owner took responsibility for the pavement and kerbs outside their homes we wouldn’t see all the weeds growing up around them.

Any pictures of pre-1970s Scotland invariably shows clean and well-kept streets.

I’ve written many times about the filthy state of our towns and cities and still hold councils responsible but I have to say a wee bit more personal responsibility would help reduce the litter problem enormously. One can but dream."