IF the Tory election candidates attempting to pick up litter in Winchester (Daily Echo, April 16) are so keen on keeping the city tidy why don't they join the Winchester Litter Pickers?

This non-political group of volunteers works tirelessly in all weathers and all year round, not just when an election is due and the sun is shining.

Maybe these young Conservatives were unaware that such a group existed. If they would like to volunteer, I would be delighted to put them in touch. They would then be in a position to help at forthcoming big events like the Winchester Hat Fair, which would be a lot less civilised if it weren't for the efforts of such public spirited people.

I would have been a little more impressed by the efforts of the candidate for St Bartholomew ward and his colleagues if they had managed to fill more than one small carrier bag between the three of them.

If this is an example of Tory efficiency then it serves as a dire warning to us all. If it weren't for the fact that the parliamentary candidate Steve Brine expressed his disdain for photo opportunities, I would have assumed it was simply a publicity stunt.

Still, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and look forward to seeing them out and about with the Winchester Litter Pickers every week come rain, come shine or even come electoral defeat.

They can join by contacting the organiser John Edwards (01962 867242) or Vivien Cole (01962 869405) but I have a feeling this recent Tory enthusiasm for the environment won't last beyond the next general election.

KAREN BARRATT, Winchester.