I WISH to clarify and correct a number of points in your story headlined 'What A Dump!' (LET, April 16).

Complaints to the council about rubbish dumped on roads and streets have not rocketed since the introduction of the "van ban" at household waste recycling centres, as the story claimed.

The ban was introduced in November 2002 to control illegal tipping of commercial waste at household waste recycling centres. While the council has no obligation to provide commercial waste disposal facilities, it does so as a matter of convenience for local companies.

However, we believe that it is fair to make a small charge for this service. This site is based at Roman Road, but we also offer a commercial waste collection service, again for a nominal fee.

The council also offers free collection of bulky household waste and during the last financial year completed over 22,000 removals from properties. This is an increase on the 18,000 collections in the previous year and shows that this service is growing in popularity.

Domestic waste in vans, large vehicles and large trailers is also accepted free of charge at the Roman Road waste transfer station.

The council is committed to improving the environment and is targeting additional funding to a variety of projects and initiatives. These include appointing environmental town rangers to educate the public as well as prosecuting for fly tipping where appropriate.

Complaints about fly tipping have not significantly increased since the introduction of the "van ban" in November 2002. There were 496 complaints in April 2002, and 382 in March 2003. There is, however, a general nationwide trend in increased complaints.

The council has established a team to remove waste promptly after a complaint has been received. We also call on local people to use the services provided and help us to make Blackburn with Darwen a cleaner, more attractive borough. After all, it's your home too.

COUN MOHAMMED KHAN, Executive Member Housing and Neighbourhood Services, Blackburn with Darwen Council.