I write to register my utter disappointment with Blackburn with Darwen Council's refuse department.

Since my last fortnightly refuse collection, my wife and I have been blessed with the birth of our second child.

This has initially resulted in a significant increase in our household waste.

As a concerned and responsible householder, I put all this waste into three bin bags and placed them neatly next to my very full grey bin.

Imagine my dismay and disbelief when, several hours later, I looked out of my window to find my bin had been emptied but the additional bin bags were strewn across the pavement as only refuse employees seem able to do. Do they go on a course for this? My neighbour suffered a similar fate.

I contacted the council and was told the bags were classed as side waste and as such were the responsibility of the householder.

I don't seem to recall there being a problem at Christmas when refuse staff were more than happy to dispose of a crate of lager side waste' left by the side of the bin.

The council operates a Thrash the Trash scheme. Surely if the refuse department did its job this scheme would not be necessary.

I have recycled all that is to be recycled and still end up with more than will fit in my grey bin.

The council's solution - come and give me a talk about how to better recycle.

Come on council refuse department, don't be rubbish.

Name and address supplied.