I SYMPATHISE with the protestors of lower Southampton.

The cancellation of weekly refuse collections is a disaster of the most importance.

It will lead to flytipping, so what you save on one hand will cost you double in extra transport.

It may be a saving to the city council but will cost the rest of us - i.e. the threat of rat pollution, leading to increased health risk. Why would they take a chance?

They have cut back on road repair, street cleaning, leading to the worst many have seen the city, and no credit to the council.

On Lordswood estate we are still walking on the leaves of two years ago! But there is always money for development and talk of a new casino, while student flats seem to be being constructed everywhere.

Your readers point out that there literally are thousands of student flats and not a penny paid in council tax. Are we subsidising the university?

It’s no wonder people are upset with the city council. I don’t know who has the most influence in the council chamber, but I hope they think wisely in the future.

Alan Blandford

Southampton