SIR – Surely the residents of Stevenage deserved more of their refuse collection service over the Christmas and New Year period than its complete elimination. In our case for 11 days during which period there is the largest generation of rubbish in the wh

SIR - Surely the residents of Stevenage deserved more of their refuse collection service over the Christmas and New Year period than its complete elimination. In our case for 11 days during which period there is the largest generation of rubbish in the whole year. Fortunately our cheerful bin men made an excellent job of clearing this mountainous backlog.

The basic problem is compounded by the particularly primitive system operated by the council but which is much beloved by small wild and domestic creatures that can enjoy a tasty nibble through the flimsy rubbish sacks.

Perhaps with a history in the Middle Ages it is nostalgia that underlies our refuse scheme. We still fling our rubbish into the streets, albeit only once a week or less - a practise that must put many citizens the wrong side of the 1990 Environmental Protection Act.

As with many public bodies the council talks a good modernisation game. I say, come on the Boro' - collect it properly.

PATRICK NEWMAN

Chancellors Road

Stevenage

SIR - As a member of Local Agenda 21, and therefore one of the original instigators of the Stevenage recycling scheme, I have to agree with Dr Adrian Emery (The Comet January 8) about the sloppy and inefficient way our bins are dealt with.

We, too, have had litter strewn about all over our neighbourhood by the bin men and because of the cavalier attitude of the bin men, the divider in our blue box that is supposed to separate the paper from the tins, has disappeared into one of the recycling vehicles!

I feel too, that the SBC Officers are partly to blame for this sorry state of affairs.

A friend of ours has, over several months, consistently asked for recycling bins to be delivered to her address so that she can do her bit for the environment - but her pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

I, together with other members of Local Agenda 21 committee gave up our free time to make a difference in the community, and because we are all passionate about environmental matters.

It is a pity the SBC and its workers are not taking the commitment as seriously!

PETE PERRY

Austen Paths

Stevenage