ON January 7, I politely asked the workmen emptying our wheelie bins if they would put next door's back outside their driveway as it is nearly always left at the top of mine, so that when I need to get my car out, I have to move it along with one from a house across that is usually left in the road opposite my drive.

One of the men picked up the bin and threw it down the street. The other shouted: "It is pouring down you know."

I replied that it would be pouring down when I was getting my car out, so had I have to get wet through doing their job?

I was told I was a 'stupid bitch.'

When I went outside later, both next door's bins were smack in the middle of the back end of my car.

How childish and abusive can some people get? They only had to move the bin five yards in the first place. Yet, they walked all the way back in the pouring rain to do what they did.

We have all heard of 'neighbours from hell.' Do we have to put up with borough waste disposal workers from hell as well - and pay for it in the bargain?

We don't need this abuse. There are plenty of unemployed who would be glad of a job. These men should be grateful they have a job and a decent wage packet.

Name and address received.

Footnote: A spokeswoman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will investigate the allegations fully. If they are found to be proved, we will take the appropriate action."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.