In response to Denis Goatcher's letter Mechanical Waste in Stonery Road (Letters, July 31), I must defend the crew that sweeps my very busy road.

The gentleman uses a broom and a mechanical sweeper. He takes pride in doing a good job.

Surely it is also down to us all to take pride in our surroundings. The street cleaners have a back-breaking job which is also thankless if, a few hours after they have been round, the street is covered in litter again.

So instead of whingeing, let's give them a bit of support.

-Mrs Helen Phelps, Chalky Road, Portslade