I WAS somewhat surprised at the puerile suggestion by the Council to liken the responsibility of causing an oil spill to the offence of depositing chewing gum on the pavements caused by its own residents.

To ask Wrigleys to pay because they are rich is like asking Meyrick Estates to repair the potholes. Decisions have consequences and as the Council have inadequate supervision of the guilty, gum removal remains their only decision.

H JARVIS, Manor Road, Bournemouth