IN reply to Mr A Reid's comments on Blackburn Council's 'pathetic excuses' (Letters, January 10), I have been a joiner for Blackburn Council for 12 years and in that time I have tried loyally to serve the public.

Countless times we read in the Evening Telegraph of people complaining and moaning about services.

May I bring it to Mr Reid's attention that grit bins were on most local parish corners until they were vandalised and grit was strewn around people's properties and cars and then needed replacing at public cost.

The snow came over the Christmas 'holidays' and the council's stand-by team worked round the clock to keep our main roads clear so that people like Mr Reid could get to work or the shops.

We provide a very good service in all. Maybe he would consider getting out of bed himself at 3am and gritting every nook and cranny of Blackburn.

Credit where it's due.

S HAMER (Mr), Infirmary Street, Blackburn.