AFTER all the stick councils seem to be getting of late especially regarding rubbish, I have to give some praise to Hyndburn Council for the recent rubbish amnesty held in the Netherton Ward, Great Harwood.

After receiving a letter about this amnesty and on the day my friend spoke to the people running it, I went to where the skip was located and spoke to Councillor Susan Shorrock about my backyard.

What about it you may ask? I'd had a massive clearout so it was full to bursting (no food items so no rats!). I was saving up for a skip as I believed there were too many items to ask the council to clear. Broken up wardrobes, old broken bikes, building rubble, carpets and general items that were no good for charity.

It was a Saturday morning and after speaking to Coun Shorrock and giving my address I took my youngest son to his football match. Returning home less than two hours later to a clear backyard. It was great.

So a big thanks must go to Coun Susan Shorrock, her husband and Mick Pilkington, who I found out had done the lion's share of the work and my good friend Sue Roscow, you all did good!

LESLEY SMITH, St Huberts Street, Great Harwood.