HAVING read in the national press about some local councils microchipping wheelie bins in order to record how much each household has in waste, I was concerned to read that the 'chips' contain details of who lives in each household etc.

The article went on to say that they thought, far from the council's microchipping wheelie bins to do a survey, instead it was an exercise in possibly taxing us if our bins are fuller than next door's.

I am astounded that St Helens Council was said to be one of the culprits practising this. Oh yes, Big Brother is definitely watching us.

Why were we not told of this? The cost must be phenomenal - so that's why the council tax goes up.

I suggest all Star readers have a look under the lids of their bins for a small circular object about the size of a twopence piece and perhaps remove it and send it back to the council saying that they did not ask permission.

It would be interesting to know how many people have these chips in their bins and did not know that they were being spied on or that they contain their personal details?

Perhaps someone from St Helens MBC would like to reply?

SHEILA Rigby, Rainford (full address supplied).