THE perennial problem of vandalism continues to blight the grey auld toon.

The cretins who destroyed the sapling trees around the new college in Buccleuch Road should hang their heads in shame. But they won't. They've probably long since realised that this type of wanton destruction rarely leads to an arrest and subsequent punishment. That's the disturbing reality of the situation.

Now I'm not for a minute suggesting that the police aren't doing everything in their power to apprehend the perpetrators. Far from it. But their resources are spread so thinly these days and it's little wonder these yobs feel they can get away with it. We musn't let them though.

So what can we do? Well, after a little research on the subject, I've came to the conclusion that an effective way to tackle vandalism would be to try and exercise peer-group pressure on those involved.

And who better than our youngsters to promote what is and isn't socially acceptable? While at the same time instilling a real sense of pride in the town.

Now whether this is a high school-led campaign or is spearheaded by the police, I'm not sure. But I'd like to think that by adopting a more subtle approach to the problem, it would go some way to addressing what is a chronic lack of respect for other people's property.

Dirty business

NOT for the first time, Jamie Batten is making the headlines on our letters page today.

The bold Jamie has had enough of irresponsible dog owners who fail to clear up after their mutts, and he's urging anyone who spots the can't-be-bothered brigade to do their utmost to have them brought to book

Couldn't agree more, Jamie. Hardly a week goes by when we don't get a complaint in the office about the proliferation of dog mess in certain areas of the town.

There's a groundswell of opinion in Hawick that we need to be taking a far tougher line on offenders. And the £500 fine which Jamie quotes in his letter should certainly make dog owners think twice.

Interestingly, and contrary to popular belief, Jamie also states that evidence from two sources is not required to bring about a conviction. All you need to do is report the offender to the police, dog wardens or council. They'll do the rest.

Remember, we've tried asking the dog owners in question nicely, but they didn't take a blind bit of notice. So it's time to start hitting them where it hurts . . . in the pocket.

Nice work . . .

WITH mill workers in Hawick being told to curb pay expectations, why on earth are fat-cat salaries still being paid to bosses?

The disturbing news that Dawson International saw fit to double its chief executive’s salary last year is sure to generate a massive outpouring of anger among Teries. And it’s totally vindicated.

Dawson’s sums simply don’t add up. One minute the firm is wielding the jobs axe at Barrie’s Burnfoot factory, and the next it is handing out pay rises like there’s no tomorrow.

Chief executive Andy Bartmess’s wage hike of more than 100 per cent to £390,000 a year is, in these grim economic conditions, nothing short of obscene. And it’s a real kick in the teeth for the 19 who were deemed surplus to requirements at Barrie, many of whom have no idea where their next pay packet is coming from.

But Mr Bartmess isn’t the only one to have picked up an exorbitant pay increase, and hot on his heels in our fat-cat league is Dawson’s finance boss David Cooper who pocketed £259,000 – up a staggering £133,000 from the year before. While just managing to keep the wolf from the door, chairman Michael Hartely received pay and bonuses of £153,000.

Nice work . . . if you can get it.