Almost a third of young people thought better and more public transport was needed to improve the environment in 2003.

It was another surprising figure in the second part of our series surveying the attitudes of youths in Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor.

S6 pupils at St Luke’s High School, commenting on the figures, said the environment wasn’t a priority for politicians – meaning it was important to highlight the problem.

“Politicians talk about schools but not the environment,” said 17-year-old Karlyn Brogan.

“Show them the extent of pollution, the rubbish and the vandalism around Main Street.”

Frances Rocks, 17, added: “I don’t think the government sees the long-term effect of pollution.”

She said fare increases had put people off using public transport, with more cars on the road as a result.