I HEARTILY endorse the views outlined by R W Bates with regard to the current condition of Southampton.

When compared to other towns in Hampshire we are becoming increasingly unattractive.

The city council seems to have abrogated its responsibilities to the people and instead it comes up with specious, somewhat disingenuous arguments why it can’t do this, that, or the other.

The core view seems to be it is all the fault of nasty central Government and “nothing to do with us, guv”.

We could have a clean city, an attractive environment, a functioning traffic infrastructure, Christmas decorations, a festive amenity such as an ice rink and a Christmas tree if there was a will.

The current political games the council is playing are transparent and morally wrong in using Sotonians as political pawns.

PETER HYDE, Hamble.