A LOT of people are asking why we in Southampton are not trading on our history to bring in tourism. I would counter that is the wrong question to ask.

We should be asking ‘why can’t we?’.

As I travel around the city I see indications of many, many things that put off tourists even before they have exited the coach, train or car.

The first is the attitude of other drivers. Drivers here are impatient, aggressive and rude. They think nothing of abusing other road users and then blaming the person they have victimised.

I used to regularly travel in a van with a work colleague who would think nothing of winding down his window and shouting at motorcyclists or cyclists for simply being where they should be – on the road!

Then there are the people who think the pavement is a bin. Finished with that crisp packet? Someone else will clean it up.

I slightly disagree with Alan Blandford – the people I see littering come from all walks of life.

Litter is thrown out from car windows, from cigarettes to drinks bottles, and bubble gum spat out by many pedestrians.

Graffiti and vandalism is rife. Remember the rhinos? And how they were targeted? See the threatening iconography sprayed all over walls?

Feral children roam wild and sex offences haunt our parks. All of that is unappealing to visitors.

Yes, we have great history. Yes, we have great museums (though overpriced). Yes, we have beautiful parks and wonderful restaurants.

But where is the civic pride? Why are children not in bed at night? Where are the police to deal with our roads?

And why are people not raised with values and respect to understand that their actions cost our local society far more, the more they misbehave?

MARK DAVEY, Southampton.