LETTER: I feel very sad that Wisbech has come to this

I have never written to the paper before but now I feel the need to put pen to paper.

Visiting Wisbech Market today, I decided to eat my lunch in St Peter’s Gardens, which look beautiful at this time of year and are a real asset for the town.

I sat on a bench, as did two other ladies, and we were all appalled at the state in which this lovely place has become. A large family were also there and they had the disgusting habit of clearing their throats and spitting on the pavement and grass.

I am a disabled person, who now has to use a walker for mobility, and I now feel very unsafe walking through this area, particularly with the threat of COVID-19 at the moment.

I, obviously, try to avoid the phlegm on the ground but it is getting increasingly worse and so more difficult.

I regularly also shop at the market and this problem is very prevalent there too.

There are also other areas within the town which are becoming increasingly dangerous to walk through – Norfolk Street to name one –where I feel threatened to walk so now have no choice but to avoid this area altogether.

As a person who was born and bred in Wisbech, I support the local businesses as much as possible but am horrified at what this town is becoming and this is very sad to see.

My father and his brother built the fish pond and all of the walls in the gardens for all to enjoy and this is being spoilt by a few who do not seem to respect the outdoor spaces which are enjoyed by so many.

Maybe we could have no spitting signs in the gardens and the troubled areas policed more with community officers, which would hopefully help to preserve and improve our lovely town.

I understand that there have been lots of public cuts financially and things are very difficult at the moment, but surely something needs to be done now before it is too late?

I feel very sad that Wisbech has come to this.

Fay Peukert

Wisbech