SIR, — J. Hoy (Herts Advertiser, May 8) has every reason to be worried about the consequences of food waste being left for a fortnight under the new green bin scheme. Before moving here we went through the same unfortunate experience in Harrow when our lo

SIR, - J. Hoy (Herts Advertiser, May 8) has every reason to be worried about the consequences of food waste being left for a fortnight under the new green bin scheme.

Before moving here we went through the same unfortunate experience in Harrow when our local council introduced a fortnightly kitchen waste scheme. It became common to have maggots literally covering the bin, both outside and inside, despite triple wrapping foodstuff in newspaper. The smell, particularly in hot weather, was overwhelming. The council itself acknowledged significant increases in the rat and fox populations. Such was the outcry that within months the council was forced to back down and the fortnightly collections were replaced by weekly ones.

With St Albans District Council now embarking on exactly the same scheme, similar horrors are in prospect. Like Harrow, no doubt the decision to make the food waste collections fortnightly was influenced by cost. Our health is far more important. Let us hope, as in the case of Harrow, common sense will prevail and the scheme is reconsidered quickly, with food waste collections made weekly.

STEWART ROSE,

Mount Pleasant Lane, Bricket Wood.