My namesake fleet – the ancient and historic waterway running alongside Purfleet Street and behind the Lynn News office – is a disgrace, I agree. I feel bad for not having mentioned it before now.

My correspondent, who has beaten me to it, says it all: "I feel compelled to write to you to express my concern for The Purfleet itself! I am sure you have noticed the diabolical mess which is floating (and has sunk) in the water, and the disgusting appearance of what could be a very nice oasis in the centre of town.

"What was the purpose of someone dumping hundreds of Burton's leaflets into the water? I know some of the stuff is windblown into the water, but a large percentage of it is put there by useless litterlouts who have nothing better to do than go around ruining our environment.

"This is a historical area, and the council has tried to enhance it by having running water, fountains, a seating area and bins. Lots of people are drawn by the sound of the water, and are happy to congregate on the bridge or wall to eat their lunch, meet friends or just sit and rest.

"A message to the council: Perhaps the area could be further enhanced by extending the seating into the parking bay beside the Lynn News (it's a no-parking zone anyway), adding some planters and making a nice place to sit? Lots of tourists pass by this area on their way to the Customs House and River, so I feel this would be a well-received and welcome addition to the area.

"If the people who are responsible for dumping this rubbish are reading this – my message to them is GROW UP, GET A LIFE OR JOB AND USE RUBBISH BINS! HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF WE DUMPED OUR RUBBISH IN YOUR YARD?" (Author's capitals. She was very angry).

I have campaigned in the past for the preservation of the fleet when, a decade and more ago my predecessor suggested filling it in and using it as a car park. Some may remember the Southgate columnist. I had him dragged off and locked in Greyfriars Tower until he came to his senses. He's still there.

Yes, the council does need to clear the rubbish out of the Purfleet and perhaps make greater efforts with patrols and CCTV to catch the hooligans at it and prosecute them. I recently had words with a party of yobs on the footbridge who thought it fun to miss the litter bin with their thrown rubbish and then kick it into the water from the base of the bin where it rested. I had the feeling, though, that if I persisted I may well have been the next item to be chucked in.