IN response to the letter by J M Jones (Readers' Letters, January 24), I am aware that the bags shown in the photo were left by a fly-tipper, not from occupiers of the flats.

On a Saturday morning, our street cleaning team starts in the city centre and works outwards. They have a difficult job, particularly after a busy Friday or Saturday evening, often working in horrendous weather. It can be lunchtime before they reach the bar walls where the fly-tipping was found.

Members of City of York Council's street cleaning team work very hard and are proud of their work. Following the recent changes to the service, performance has significantly improved - a fact that was recently confirmed by ENCAMS (formerly the Keep Britain Tidy Group), which undertook an independent survey of the council's street cleaning service.

The staff are accountable and appreciate the important role they have keeping our city centre neighbourhoods clean and tidy. They are also aware that their jobs are not guaranteed, especially considering the tight financial environment we work within. The council is committed to continuing to improve its services, although I don't think anyone should underestimate how hard the street cleaning team works for residents and visitors.

While the council has the lead responsibility for cleaning our city's streets, we all have a role in maintaining our environment. We will be approaching commercial premises in the near future to encourage them to work with us and, hopefully, we will receive a positive response.

Terry Collins, Director of Neighbourhood Services, City of York Council, York.