I REFER to the article, 'Cloud cuckoo land of bin bags,' (September, 9).

It is clear to me Coun David Horton does not live in a terrace property of York, and therefore does not know how much of a problem early disposal of bin bags in a back lane can cause.

I welcome the proposal by City of York council to fine residents £100 if they put bin bags out in rear lanes long before collection day.

I am sure if the council allowed bin bags to be left in the town centre for several days, Coun Horton would soon complain because it wouldn't look good to the tourists.

The South Bank area of York is also a tourist part of the city with the race meetings and other functions that take place throughout the year.

If the fine is implemented this would stop some residents using the back lanes as an open tip. After all, back lanes are a public right of way.

C O'Hara,

Jamieson Terrace,

South Bank,

York.

Updated: 10:35 Tuesday, September 14, 2004