I HAVE just been speaking to a representative of St Helens Council regarding our brown bin. This is the third time that our bin has been stolen or burnt.

I was informed that I would have to pay a charge of £17.50 should I wish to receive a replacement bin.

I find it hilarious that I am expected to foot the bill when I am not at fault in any way.

I am therefore refusing to pay this fee due as I have done nothing except follow the unwritten rules of the underground refuse fraternity (painting my house number on my bin in huge numbers, getting up at 6am to ensure my bin is located etc).

With the system currently in place you will have is some sort of brown bin blackmarket where people are setting their alarms for 4am in order to acquire a bin from the next estate in order to avoid payment.

I find it a prehistoric system which only encourages theft and the law-abiding are left to pay the price. What am I expected to do? Pay every time my bin goes missing? I might as well set up a standing order. At the moment we are without a bin, but isn’t refuse collection is part of the council tax we pay every month?

I currently have two black bin bags in my garden that are being pecked at by birds.

I have no choice but to put the bin bags in the collection point until I receive a new bin.

J Mumford,

Nutgrove