SIR – At the end of September the drains near the Holiday Inn on the A5 near Markyate overflowed – a regular occurrence. Usually the footpath near the bus stop becomes a river of effluent and toilet paper of various colours. However, on this occasion, a m

SIR - At the end of September the drains near the Holiday Inn on the A5 near Markyate overflowed - a regular occurrence.

Usually the footpath near the bus stop becomes a river of effluent and toilet paper of various colours. However, on this occasion, a mess of human faeces carpeted the path (along with the toilet paper).

When I saw it I assumed (stupidly) that someone was doing something about it. I saw it again a week later (when I got the bus in daylight). That evening I went to the hotel and spoke to the manager who said he would have the mess "cleaned up immediately." It was still there a week later so I phoned Dacorum Council which covers this area. They told me it was "nothing to do with them".

When I pointed out that it was a health-and-safety matter, they put me through to the environment department - who did nothing. I also phoned the clerk to the local parish council who spoke to the manager of the hotel. The parish clerk said she though it was a matter for the sewage works...

Some of the excreta has been washed to the sides of the footpath but it is still spread all over it.

Who takes responsibility? No action on such a health hazard proves that "health and safety" is used for political reasons - or job creation.

L BARWELL

Old Watling Street, Flamstead