Pictured above: A back alley down a street off Bulk Road. Although the council cleaned up the mess shortly after this photo was taken at the end of April 2004, it was soon even worse, littered with TVs, teapots, carpet, toys, a microwave and an electric heater. Worst of all, there was a huge amount of broken glass which kids seem to enjoy smashing. Disgusting and dangerous.

CHILDREN AND LITTER
29/4/04: Well done on the grot spot stuff and it really rung home on the riverside littering by children. On Tuesday I cycled up to Sainsburys. As I was going along three children about 15 or 16 from Our Lady's were sat on a bench. One threw rubbish into the Lune and the other dumped an empty box behind the seat. I stopped and pointed out the bin just 15 feet away. On my return they were still there and so was the litter. As I cycled away for a second time the abuse started and this time I got off and walked back by which time they'd cleaned up. I tried to discuss it with them and I attempted to explain why it mattered but it had little or no effect.

I'd also point out that City Contract Services has had problems due to the last administration undermining its work. From 1999 to 2003 the level of casual labour and the resultant costs rose dramatically and, worst still, much of the rubbish trucks have been leased at ridiculous cost rather than being bought outright. Thankfully much of this mess is being put right but it is a slow process.
Michael Gibson, Lancaster

What do you think? Send us pictures of your local grot spots and suggestions on how the council could improve things! Write to and put "Grot Spot" in the subject line. Remember to tell us where any photo was taken and when. Is there a particular rubbish spot that never seems to get cleared? A street light that never gets fixed? Let us know!