Why can't Plymouth be more like Bath or York?

WHAT is it about our lifestyle and values that sets us apart from some European countries? Having only recently returned from having spent two weeks in four major continental cities, it was hard not to be envious of the way the local populations conduct themselves.

- Derek Wood

Plymouth is my place of birth and I’ve spent the majority of my life living here. The waterfront and surrounding area is, by any comparison, world class, and as citizens of our city, in my view, it’s something we don’t talk up enough. But how much do we value living in this privileged part of the country?

If you ventured out on a busy Saturday night and asked the odd reveller, you might get a response in the shape of ‘I’m a proud Plymothian and proud to be British’ This, in spite of, when you look around, you see the amount of litter, cigarette ends and spent chewing gum lying on the pavements, flowerbeds, grass verges and fountains.

Just like litter, graffiti is a pursuit which serves to ‘benefit’ only the perpetrator, while everyone else in the community is the loser. Our city sadly suffers in this department. Street art is one thing, but crass vandalism is another.

These things diminish the pride I have in the city, together with the view I have of my fellow Plymothians, who create this needless, antisocial mess.

Strasbourg is a very beautiful city, visited by people from far flung locations. The first thing that struck me is how calm people were. They were going about their business as we do. They have all same pressures of earning a living and providing for their families as we do, why then are their streets spotlessly clean and their behaviour impeccable, even on a weekend when, like us, they are out having fun?