I WAS alarmed to read that Trafford Council is to send out snoops to spy on us. In my opinion they are overstepping the mark with this big brother tactic and it is a gross invasion of our privacy.

Just what are the credentials of these individuals? I for one don’t want anyone rooting about in my refuse.

Identity theft is a concern these days and we all dispose of sensitive items such as medication packaging or correspondence that we don’t want strangers rooting through.

There is also packaging from purchases we have made which could be of use to thieves.

I would have thought that until the refuse is ‘on the cart’ it remains the property of the householder and the council has no right to interfere with it.

Are there any readers in the legal profession who can say what the legal position is?

Malcolm Machin, Sale