I am compelled to write to you following a walk round Shelly Bay field a few evenings ago.

I have not visited the area for quite some time and was appalled by the amount of litter around the perimeter.

The field is very popular, being used year-round by various groups for sporting events such as football, cricket and volleyball, for numerous other community events, and as a track by walkers and joggers. It is sad that a few inconsiderate individuals can ruin the area for the majority. Trash bins are provided -- surely it takes only a few moments to place trash in or by a container rather than just tossing it into the bushes or leaving it and walking away, thereby spoiling what is otherwise an attractive area.

Trash is Bermuda's public enemy number one. We are "literally'' choking our beautiful Island with it. Anyone traversing the roads and trails can testify to the fact that garbage is evident everywhere. Bottles, cans, wrappers and other items are discarded indiscriminately without thought to what we are doing to this lovely place we call home, never mind the negative impact it must have on our tourists.

Coming back to the case in point, Shelly Bay field needs to be cleaned up. It is my understanding that sporting groups are given permission to use the field on condition that they clear up their trash.

Such groups and other using the area should be reminded that it is a public facility enjoyed by many and that littering is an offence. They must therefore ensure that all garbage is placed in the proper receptacles. With this in mind, the Department of Youth & Sports has been contacted with a view to placing more garbage cans at strategic points around the field.

Further, a Keep Bermuda Beautiful clean-up morning is planned for late August/early September and the media will be notified of the date closer to the time.

What a great thing it would be if some of those who use the area for recreational pursuits could come out to assist with cleaning it up! In the meantime, however, may I appeal to everyone who uses Shelly Bay to ensure that litter is disposed of properly, so that once it is cleaned up, it an be enjoyed by all who visit it.

Thank you. Together, we can make a difference! C.S. JANE BIELBY Hamilton Parish