I WAS horrified to read in your newspaper that Bolton Council is planning to halve the number of refuse collections across the Borough - particularly as I would have thought I would have been told if that was the case!

I hope you will allow me to give your readers a more balanced view of what is happening.

The refuse collection service is under review, and has been for several months. The objectives of the review are to improve the service, taking account of several pressures that we are under:

the wish of the public to receive a 52 week service

the need to meet Government recycling targets which require us to recycle 20pc of our waste by 2005/6 and 33pc by 2010/11 and avoid penalties which could dramatically increase Council Tax

demand by many members of the public for more convenient access for recycling of a wider range of items.

lthe need to develop a co-ordinated policy in relation to all types of waste: bulky items, trade waste, domestic refuse, fly tipping and litter.

the need to achieve this within a realistic cost, although there will inevitably be some extra cost whatever we do - this is not a cost cutting measure.

Contrary to what was reported in your newspaper, no decision was being taken on Wednesday as the review is still going on. There has to be proper debate about the way forward, and householders have to be persuaded to work with any new arrangements.

Roger G C Hayes

Executive Member for Direct

Services and Area Working