FOR the past year I seem to have been totally responsible for the cleaning of the lane beside my house.

This means cutting down rank vegetation or sweeping up cat and dog mess. I bag this hoping the dustman will take it.

When I asked the friendly road-sweeper who was cleaning the lane opposite why he didn't clean our side, he said he was following instructions.

The budget doesn't allow for cleaning in certain areas. These areas appear to be adjacent to or behind owner-occupied terraces. The lane he was cleaning was adjacent to council housing.

Do you detect some kind of discrimination here? Do you think health and safety services ought to be concerned?

Mrs J Wilson,

Dale Street,

York.

Updated: 10:28 Monday, August 15, 2005