Dear editor,

At a time when many of your readers will be experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, I wanted to make them aware that they could have unwanted white goods collected free of charge by a local charity, whereas Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will charge over £30 for the same service, even though the same charity will collect the item(s). My wife and I found this out when we arranged for an unwanted tumble dyer to be collected via the Council in July. 

Having paid the fee, we were surprised to see a Furniture Project van carry out the collection and, having contacted the charity, we were advised they would provide this service free of charge, subject to certain criteria being met. 

Having contacted the council's waste management team regarding this matter, they confirmed this option should have been mentioned when the booking for collection was made but - despite the fact this was omitted from the conversation - they were not prepared to review the fee levied.

I would, therefore, urge your readers to consider every option when disposing of unwanted items, rather than boost the council's budget for business lunches.

Darren Fearnley, Exmoor Close, Basingstoke.