REGARDING your report (LET, July 31) in which opposition councillors branded Blackburn with Darwen Council's newspaper "spin gone mad" after it claimed new bin collections had been a hit with residents, I must comment on chief executive Phil Watson's remarks.

He said the new scheme was being carried out on a pilot basis to see where the teething problems are.

Having spent two hours the previous evening with Peter Hunt, the director responsible, I believe they have no intention of changing the system. In fact, a further 6,000 homes are to be included in the scheme in September.

The main problem is over full refuse bins. People have put overspill into bags, but the council refuses to take them unless you still have a weekly service. The reason for this is simple: if it takes away extra bags on the fortnightly collection scheme, people will stop recycling.

Most have taken to the recycling scheme enthusiastically as they understand the need. But please, treat them with respect and allow extra refuse bags to be collected as required.

Or are they going to add to litter in the countryside left by disgruntled householders just wishing to dispose of their refuse, a service which they pay the council for and expect it to do.

COUNCILLOR DEREK HARDMAN (Livesey and Pleasington Ward, Blackburn with Darwen Council), Victoria Avenue, Cherry Tree, Blackburn.