RODNEY SAUNDERS, the Man in the Street, takes a look at the hazards of

taking a walk down one: piles of rubbish, pickpocket gangs -- but it's not so bad, because the council is doing a great job.

We listen to the news on the wireless and we listen to politicians, both in and out of office, expressing their views and opinions.

We watch the news on the television and, what do we see? Politicians in and out of office expressing their views.

We buy the newspapers and what do we read? You've guessed it! In addition to our political leaders and opposition, we have further comments, opinions and advice from religious leaders, experts and commentators all of whom, yet none of whom, have the answer to the point in question.

It can be no more than an opinion. But what about the man in the street?

Now before you ladies say, "What about the woman in the street?" well, according to my way of thinking, we do not say either woman or person in the street, we have always said the man in the street.

It's a manner of speech, as is chairman. Chairwoman sounds like the cleaner and chairperson sounds ridiculous. In fact, at a meeting where there is a "Chairman" that person is referred to as either Mr Chairman or Madam Chairman.

By the way we live in the United Kingdom, and although the throne has been occupied by a Queen since 1953, it has never been referred to as a Queendom!

So back to the man in the street, the German Mann in der Strasse, the French l'homme dans la rue, in Borehamwood, me. I am neither a political nor a religious leader, but like the millions of men and women in the street, I have more than one view and one opinion, together with a few dislikes.

On the home front I must say that Hertsmere Council is doing a great job in terms of road improvement. There are pedestrian "humps" and crossings, with thought given to invalids and mothers with prams, and green tracks for cyclists.

The road cleansing after the market closes is first class. I was, however, disgusted with the litter on the pavements on the other side of the road, walking down from the station.

The rubbish was mostly to do with take away food, obviously been thrown down by the man, woman and child in the street. Hertsmere has spent a lot of our money providing large, easy to recognise litter bins placed strategically on the pavements in Shenley Road.

I have also seen bedding and pieces of furniture dumped in lay-bys and in Butterfly Lane. Well, if these people can take and dump their large rubbish by the roadside, why can't they be a little more thoughtful and take it to the household waste site?

The site is very well organised and, from what I have seen, it takes everything. Congratulations, too, to Hertsmere for its placement of glass and paper receptacles.

I was very disturbed to read that pick-pockets have been at work in the market. A 78-year-old woman was a victim and she had two purses stolen containing more than £100.

Basically, I feel that Shenley Road is very safe but everyone needs to be aware of lurking dangers. So, ladies of all ages and gentlemen, too, don't flaunt your wealth.

Buy or make a travel-type purse which makes your money and your keys hang around your neck and sit comfortably and safely inside your jumper. I can't make any promises, but I am trying to introduce a new "Times Special Offer" to the elderly of just such an item.

By the way I have to say that "Neighbourhood Watch" is an excellent idea. The police, naturally, are very keen to help, have leaflets on the matter and a "beat bobby" who could help you to set up your own "watch".

I am not trying to do their excellent job but have you put a chain on your door? As a nation, we are very trusting, but when face-to-face with a "nasty", we can come to grief. If your door only opens six inches, you are protected and you do not have to let a stranger into your home.

I love to see those beautiful, white, wedding Rolls Royces outside the churches in Borehamwood but, do we really have to sell Rolls Royce to BMW? Rolls Royce is a British institution, the best car in the world. What do you folks have to say?

I, your "Man in the Street", would like to hear of your complaints, comments and praises for discussion in my next column.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.