CONTRARY to the belief that Blackburn with Darwen Council does not collect the rubbish that litters our streets and green areas, I am pleased to report that I have seen council workmen at work cleaning our green and pleasant land.

On my way home from exercising my dog, I passed the area in front of the Knuzden public house and was astounded to see two workmen picking up litter.

Armed with the latest technical equipment -- wagon, bin bag and long-handled pincers -- these two artisans, with the stealth and agility of two big-game hunters, slowly moved across the area, carefully avoiding a hollow that stored years of filth and rubbish.

They skirted the remnants of last year's bonfire, with its burnt out old bedsprings and broken bottles, cleverly picking up only the litter that didn't weigh more than a fag packet.

These masters of their trade made sure they did not look in the direction of the once-babbling brook that was filled with old lawnmowers, bikes, shopping trolleys, old TV sets.

When they had finally finished, I looked at the landscape and gasped I could not believe the change! None!

J ALLAN (Mr), Rothesay Road, Blackburn.