Residents being consulted on plans to put communal bins in their streets (The Argus, November 8) should be made aware of the problems of this scheme as well as the advantages.

In the Seven Dials area, we have had this communal bin system (and therefore no refuse collection) for about five years. It doesn’t always work well in its current form. We still have problems with overflowing bins (see above picture) and sometimes rubbish surrounding the bins and the pavements.

There are still difficulties with the location of some bins, which can block the view for pedestrians and drivers, take away precious parking spaces and cause a disturbance and an eyesore for nearby residents.

Residents who are older or have health problems may have difficulties carrying refuse sacks to the communal bins.

Adverse weather conditions including icy pavements, driving rain and snow will affect everyone. And it is even more annoying when you struggle to get to the bin, only to find it is full up.

I have always supported the idea of having a small number of communal bins, carefully located, to complement doorstep collections in areas where there are lots of flats and bedsits.

However, residents should be aware that once the communal bins system is introduced they will probably lose their doorstep refuse collections forever.

There should be a fair and balanced review of how the communal bins system works before it is extended to more areas of Brighton and Hove.

Rob Heale, Chatham Place, Brighton