Cowley Road is certainly not one of Oxford's most attractive streets.

But we find it hard to believe that it should rank as Britain's shabbiest.

We can think of many streets in other parts of Britain in a far worse state.

The Radio Five Live survey should be taken with a big pinch of salt.

That is not to say that Cowley Road does not need a spruce-up. Some parts look rundown and are badly in need of improvement.

Most people would agree that there is too much litter and there are too many empty shops and buildings plastered with unsightly posters.

The road is already in line for £1m of Government money which will be invested in lower speed limits, wider pavements, extra crossings and other measures to make it safer.

But residents should not expect the Government and the city council to do all the work -- they have a responsibility to look after their surroundings.

Who, after all, drops the litter, plasters posters on walls and buildings and makes the area untidy?