Following your article ‘Thousands back council bid to ban vile spitting’ (Harrow Times, May 8), I wish to point out that the current Tory-led coalition running Harrow Borough Council need not seek to introduce a bye-law to take action on spitting.

They could have taken swift action by using the same littering powers used successfully by Labour-led Waltham Forest I wonder how much council tax payers’ money has been spent prompting a petition that was not needed?

This money surely could have been used better on supporting those affected by benefits change inflicted on our residents by the current coalition government?

Phillip O’Dell

Labour Party candidate, Wealdstone ward