I READ with interest Blackburn with Darwen Council's newsletter concerning the disposal of litter and rubbish and the 'Thrash the Trash' campaign.

I live at Brownhill, Blackburn and although residents, young and old, seem keen to use litter bins on the main road, the council's direct services are far from keen to empty them.

There are several outside shops and takeaways and all are full again. They only seem to empty them when a resident complains and usually, as it is today, there is rubbish overflowing from each one and blowing all over the pavement.

Rats have now been seen in the area, feeding off the food waste. I spend a lot of time having to pick up rubbish from my garden, thanks to the council.

Beyond the Bulls Head pub, it's Ribble Valley territory and the bins there seem to get emptied.

STEPHEN HUGHES, Whalley New Road, Brownhill, Blackburn.