SIR - I feel compelled to write to you again to commend and reinforce the opinions expressed by both Mike Layland and Maureen Fearnside's letters in the Worcester News.

They both hit the nail on the head, but don't seem to suggest answers.

I feel I can, as a "refuse operative" (binman to normal people) in another council area.

First, if you throw food out, wrap it in newspaper and plastic bags. If you are still on bags not wheelie bins, sprinkle the newspaper with curry powder - this will put off the animals.

As for people throwing half-eaten takeaways in our streets, get some patrols out and make these people spend a week (or more) clearing up not just their waste but other people's - most might think twice before disposing of their waste so carelessly in future.

Failing this, close all the takeaways before the pubs and clubs, then the revellers can go home and use some of the food that was otherwise destined for the bin.

JULIAN DOWLING, Worcester.