WHEN my wife and I first visited Falmouth 20 years ago, it appeared to be a town in decline, with lots of shops empty and boarded up, along with much domestic and commercial property in need of renovation.

On our yearly visits, we have seen it transformed into a vibrant holiday centre by the private money invested in property and amenities.

However, in the last two years my wife and I have become appalled at the amount of rubbish that is strewn about and left to rot. The paths and steps leading up to Vernon Place and Chapel Terrace are disgusting. It is obvious that maintaining public places, toilets and street cleaning is in rapid decline.

We have been prompted to make these comments after talking with a Dutch family, who were following a route around Falmouth taken from "AA 50 Walks in Cornwall." Their comments about the path taken were certainly unflattering at least, and they would certainly not be returning.

Perhaps the people who are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of these areas should visit them, to see for themselves the escalating problems, before many more holidaymakers are disillusioned and don't return.

David Irving, Watling Street, Affetside, Bury, Lancs