I HAVE for the past few months been annoyed to find abandoned ASDA trolley's behind my house. I telephoned them to advise of the situation received an apology and arrangements were made to pick the trolleys up.

As it was Christmas the pick up didn't happen and then fly tipping started. I duly put the offending bags in bins and reminded ASDA and received another apology but the bins were collected. Last last week two more trolleys have been dumped and I telephoned again, another apology and pick up arranged. This morning two more bin bags in the trolleys and this time they were too heavy to move. So I visited ASDA and spoke to the security person in the reception area and asked why they couldn't stop people from leaving the premises with them.

She told me that she was only responsible for internal security and the Customer Service Manager then explained that they had suffered an increase in this happening because they had stopped customers using £1 ahead of the introduction of the newly anticipated many sided coin. She further explained that if they asked the person taking the trolley not to leave the car park or physically tried to restrain them 'ASDA could be accused of assault' – I pointed out that the act was in fact theft – to which I was told that the police were not interested as the manpower cutbacks prevented them from dealing with low level nuisance issues.

I explained that the trolleys were attracting fly tipping and that one trolley was filled with two bags which I couldn't move. I was told that this was not ASDA's responsibility and advised to phone the council. Another expense to be added to my ASDA calls. When and how did this become my problem?

I duly went online to get the relevant number and saw that I could complain 'on line' but I actually wanted to speak to someone and used the number for the council and in particular fly tipping, I sat (and paid for) a recorded message, numerous push button options, duly following the instructions when a further recorded message told me that I could only complain 'on line' and it was quick and easy – 'thank you and goodbye'.

The matter has been reported to the council – as today was our grey bin rubbish collection day I saw the lorry driving off and the bags and the trolleys are still there.

I have 'gone to the top' and complained to my MP's office who promised to look into the problem and I have e-mailed the CEO of ASDA to ask how their problem continues to be mine. The Worm has turned.

Mrs Rosalind Wharton

Kearsley