Sir.–Councillor Robert Donnell once again gives the same old lame excuse that the reason he has failed to improve recycling rates in Basingstoke is because “the people of Basingstoke want to keep weekly collections”. He is talking rubbish. (Gazette, January 16).

Yes, some of us do want weekly collections, but that does not stop recycling. Maybe, Cllr Donnell should have a word with Eric Pickles, the Government minister responsible for recycling.

Mr Pickles recently wrote to Cllr Donnell and said that it is a myth that “fortnightly collection is the only way to improve recycling rates”. Many local authorities with weekly bin collections send 50 per cent or more of their household waste for reuse, recycling or composting.

Mr Pickles also said in his letter that it is another myth that, “in areas with low recycling rates, introducing a fortnightly collection is the only way to change residents’ attitudes to recycling.”

If Cllr Donnell has lost, or worse, not read the minister’s letter he will find a copy at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/271435/BinBible-2-NT3.pdf. I suggest he re-reads it, stops making excuses and starts doing his job.

There is absolutely no reason why Basingstoke cannot be a leader in reuse and recycling. We just need a council portfolio holder with some ambition, who does something rather than just makes excuses.

–Martin Heath, Millennium Court, Basingstoke.