I WOULD like to thank Mr R Jakobowski (Letters, September 3) for his well-reasoned and pragmatic observations on the issue of household waste disposal arrangements across the area's local authorities.

In my own area, the refuse collection service is reliable and, though I must admit that I have had several run-ins with the staff over the years (mainly about the dustcart being driven), on the face of it Hyndburn's refuse collection service appears to be significantly better organised, efficient and environmentally-friendly than in Blackburn with Darwen's.

Mr Jakobowski's comments about the responsibilities of the public in maintaining reasonable levels of hygiene in and around their dustbins should not be underestimated. Do the likes of Mr P Haworth (Letters, August 26) to whom Mr Jakobowski replied, really expect local authorities to take total responsibility for the hygienic storage of household waste?

I'm sure that whatever arrangements Blackburn with Darwen Council has for waste collection and disposal, they must fall within the expectations laid down by legislation.

Whether rubbish is collected from private dwellings daily, weekly or fortnightly, it is ultimately the responsibility of the householder to ensure that it is stored appropriately and hygienically until it is collected.

It is no good people bleating that they are being let down by their councils. They are not. I'm sure that the powers-that-be are well aware of their legal responsibilities in respect of waste collection and you can rest assured that they are fully meeting them, however they choose to run their respective services.

May I offer the following formula to those people who feel they cannot function with a bi-weekly refuse collection: bleach + water + elbow grease = hygienic dustbin free of rats, wasps and other infestations.

DENNIS MULCHRONE, Ainslie Close, Great Harwood.