I was always brought up to believe if I wanted anything doing to do it myself.

On Friday I phoned the council offices to tell the chief executive's PA that the fly-tipped mattress was still 'stinking' in Longford Street backs after first being reported two weeks ago.

I suggested that the litter wardens or dustmen get their hands dirty and do what they are paid to do, keep our environment tidy as we pay enough in council tax to expect a better service.

Litter wardens seem to be a layer of bureaucracy paid for by the long-suffering taxpayer and as usual we are not getting value for money!

In an ideal world this rubbish would be removed and the extremely offensive graffitti (racist in nature) removed from our walls. I won't hold my breath.

DENIS WOODS

Longford Street