THE last routine collection of our refuse was on Wednesday, April 23. We received a leaflet saying our collection would change to Fridays starting the following week.

I duly put my refuse out on Friday, May 2 and was astounded when, later in the day, two bins were emptied from the property opposite my house.

The wagon then drove off leaving mine and those of three neighbours on the pavement.

As it was late in the afternoon, there was nothing I could do until Tuesday as Monday was a Bank Holiday.

I then spent Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday trying to get some clarification. In all, I made 16 phone calls. I was promised that a supervisor would call me back. I'm still waiting.

The only thing I was told was that my collection day is Tuesday not Friday. My refuse was put out on the following three Tuesdays and then brought in at the end of the day.

The helpline is a complete waste of time. After the operators have passed on your complaints, there is complete silence.

The only success I had was from a person who had no connection with the helpline. At this point there were 18 uncollected bags between the four houses.

I rang this person at 4.10pm, seeking help, at 4.47pm I rang again to say thanks as in that 37 minutes the rubbish was collected and taken away.

I believe I know why our refuse is not collected and I have explained over the phone at least three times, but the person it passes to after the phone operator must have his wastepaper basket marked 'Action this day.'

J H ROBINSON, Adelaide Terrace, Blackburn.