MY mother, who is 81 and infirm, needed her old fridge removing from her flat. On ringing Bolton Council, I was told it would cost £10 and the money had to be paid up-front, either by debit card or by going down to the Town Hall.

As I live in Wigan I couldn't possibly go, and my invalid mother couldn't either.

As my mother didn't have a debit card and I couldn't get to Bolton to pay, I asked them to send a bill or it would be paid when picked up. I was told they couldn't do it like that. My mother was left very upset.

I finally asked a young man passing if he could help and he took it away - thank you. How can the elderly be expected to live longer in their own homes when they can't get help from the council.

Disgusted

(Name and address supplied)