WE read that the rat population in Blackburn is becoming beyond control (LET, October 25).

Well, I am not surprised. I know the public has a lot to answer for regarding this situation, but some of the blame must lie with the cleansing department.

I am not knocking the refuse men who have a thankless job. I am complaining about the system as some wheelie bins are now left unemptied for a fortnight and they are the ones which contain food.

Also, we have overflowing street bins, some which have a lot of fast food leftovers in them.

The street bins are just not big enough. In my area I have seen bins overflowing with rubbish, which have not been emptied for many days.

These types of bins need to be emptied at least every other day.

Unless we increase our street and back alley cleansing on a regular basis, then the rat population will become out of control and the health of the public will be put at risk.

H HAMER, Lowther Place, Blackburn.