IT came as no surprise to read that a council spokesperson did not understand that rats are excellent climbers.

Nor was I surprised to learn that the same spokesperson didn't realise that, because of the fortnightly collection, many bins will be overflowing thus allowing access to vermin.

My least surprise was reserved for the fact that it took Evening Press intervention before any action was taken!

Paul Gledhill,

Acomb Wood Close,

Woodthorpe,

York.

Updated: 09:10 Tuesday, November 29, 2005