With reference to James Alexander’s letter (July 4) in which he states: “We are working to ensure that communities are empowered to have a real say in the services they need and how they are run.”

Perhaps he would like to explain how much of a “real say” the communities of York had when the public bins were removed without notice, without consultation, without any apparent thought being given to the location of the remaining bins and without any anti-littering campaign by way of support.

Being one of more than a few residents who choose to clear up rubbish as we go on our merry way and drop it into the next bin we pass, I was somewhat dismayed to find myself walking from Grosvenor Terrace to Bootham Bar carrying a half-eaten pizza in a soggy box and the remnants of a jacket potato without passing a single bin.

Sadly next time it’ll have to stay where it is.

Phil Renshaw, York.