THRASH the Trash has been widely publicised, it is a worthwhile scheme started by Blackburn with Darwen Council and I myself signed up as a supporter right at the outset.

I am, however, disappointed with the response of the Neighbourhood Services Department when I recently reported fly tipping.

I understand that at a public meeting at Accrington Road Community Centre the executive director told the audience that where the culprits of fly tipping could be identified, action would be taken against them.

When I reported the rubbish that had been dumped at the Cob Wall Club, Blackburn, I waited a week and as there had not been a response I investigated the contents of the sacks myself and found evidence of its source.

I reported this, with photographic evidence to the department, to the leader of the council and to the relevant executive board member, only to receive an email from an officer of the council quoting to me the Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 34 and indicating that no offence appears to have been committed by the producer of the waste.

Is there any reason why members of the public should display public duty and civic pride when residents can tip their rubbish with impunity and council officers find justification within the statutory framework for their actions?

MIKE MADIGAN, Notre Dame Gardens, Blackburn.