Plastic cups

A few days ago the chattering classes were getting into a righteous lather about the disposable plastic cups they took their coffee in, and there were suggestions that taps should be installed at strategic points in the capital, so that the thirsty could fill up their water bottles rather than buying new ones.

At the time my thoughts drifted back to the often very grand water fountains of a hundred years ago, polished multi-coloured granite as often as not, long ago succumbed to the attentions of idle youths with nothing better to do than vandalise or otherwise smash up other peoples' property. Hard to see how our hard pressed councils are going to be able to compete with the obvious hygiene and convenience attractions of the plastic bottle.

So I was interested to come across this not very grand example in a very grand area, that is to say Knightsbridge. Perhaps the inhabitants of Knightsbridge have never been very keen on the provision of social goods; you have to go to one-time slums like Bethnal Green and Clerkenwell to find good examples.

PS: for the avoidance of doubt, plastic litter of one sort or another is a very real problem; global problem even. But I do not see enough public or political will to do anything about it. At least, not yet. Or to do anything about the lack of decent opportunities for so many of our youths.

Group search key: ssa.