EXTRACT of an open letter to the chief executive of Warrington Borough Council A most amazing thing happened today.

Since before Christmas, we have been keeping our rubbish in big black and blue plastic containers. This morning some eager workers came along in a big yellow truck and took the rubbish away. I believe this type of refuse collection is available these days in third world countries so it is nice to see that Warrington is keeping up with modern trends.

Also I have to admire your health and safety policy. Your jobs are safe and your salaries are healthy.

Meanwhile, I have to say that the general public has been left freezing and unattended over the past month. Thanks for that.

Strangely, other services continued almost without interruption – milk was delivered, post was delivered, buses started running after a few days, but where was the council?

I guess its staff were busy writing safety assessments and documents claiming that our town hall is a centre of excellence.

Did anyone even think of removing rubbish from the main road houses, the side road houses, then the estates as they each in turn became accessible? Sadly, no!

But why are we, the Warrington residents, in this sad state? The answer is that because we ourselves are silly enough to put up with it.

So, let us start to improve things a little.

We should demand a public meeting and the removal of the present officials.

Also, we should not forget this tale of incompetence when the local elections come around.

VIC TANN Padgate