At the end of the week which saw the Britain in Bloom judges visit Douglas, the Corporation is launching a crack-down on filthy back lanes.

Wheelie bins are being left outside rear yards seven days a week, causing obstructions for residents and, potentially, the emergency services.

Works Committee chairman Councillor Ritchie McNicholl (pictured) says it's causing an unsightly mess in a number of areas, and letters are being sent to some of the local authority's tenants to remind them of their reponsibilities.

However, it's not only Corporation tenants who are to blame (audio file attached):

At this stage the Corporation is seeking the co-operation of residents, and isn't planning to bring in any new bye-laws to deal with the problem.