Rigid approach

SIR, - Firstly, I completely support the introduction of "encouraged" recycling with St Albans District Council's new two-bin system.

Here in Jersey Farm, right on the edge of the fields, we are often visited by foxes and other wild creatures in addition to the usual cats and dogs. It was never a good idea to put black bin liners on the street and the animals often beat the waste collectors in the past. A system impenetrable to wildlife is cleaner, more hygienic, tidier and much more sensible as well as more ecologically responsible.

During the change, though, I cannot support the hardline approach that is apparently being taken to those residents who either have difficulty in complying or refuse to. There are currently a collection of black bin liners, torn open and rummaged through across the grass verge at the junction of our road. I am sure they were there on Monday evening before the bins were collected the following morning.

I know that the bin collectors have been given strict limitations as to what they are now allowed to remove and where they are allowed to remove it from but this is unacceptable. The council fails in its duty to ensure the cleanliness of our city - regardless of whether it has farmed out the actual tasks to a private company or not - if it allows the collectors to leave rubbish on the street selectively.

The majority of bins are labelled with house numbers because everyone wants to get their own bin back so it is not difficult to work out how the non-compliers could be isolated and perhaps encouraged without becoming a hazard for everyone else. The council should give this matter its urgent attention and I would be grateful if it could send someone to clear up the mess at the end of Southfield Way.

STEVE TOWNSEND,

Southfield Way, St Albans.