I FAIL to see why it is necessary to close off traffic lanes to remove rubbish from the side of the A64 (The Press, February 17).

Is it beyond the skill of the local authority to find a solution or is this just an excuse not to have to tackle it?

Those in charge of community payback schemes are always looking for unskilled public work to be done by offenders as part of their punishment.

With proper supervision, they could walk along the verges to pick up debris in black bags and transport it in hand carts to the nearest lay-by where it could then be deposited in a refuse vehicle.

Not difficult and not expensive. All it takes is a bit of initiative and imagination.

Matthew Laverack, c/o Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.