A DARLINGTON woman says her street is more messy after her refuse collectors have been than before.

Jacqueline Roscoe, from the town's George Street area, complained to the borough council after rubbish was strewn along the back alleys of neighbouring streets following a collection.

"It was such a mess. If it was left there it would be bringing rats in.

"It wasn't just mine either, there was loads of it all along the alley," she said.

"I suggested to the council that they might want to have someone coming round after the binmen to pick up the extra bits, but they said they didn't have the resources.

"I've spoken to loads of people who've had the same problems. It just leaves me wondering why I pay my council tax."

Mrs Roscoe was told street cleaners would be round the next day. But she said: "By the time they get round the rubbish will have blown all over the neighbourhood."

A council spokeswoman said it had received the complaint from Mrs Roscoe and said street cleaners had been sent straight away to sort out the problem.