LAST Thursday, I carried our green recycling box through the snow to our front gate. I then returned with our white sack of old newspapers. I then put out our normal bin out, all before the 07:30 deadline.

On returning home, I drove through the area and noticed many green boxes still full and the area littered with plastic bottles that had blown from the boxes. Sure enough, I discovered my green box was also full. I rang the council to complain and was told that I could not complain until the next day!

The leadership of Bolton Council has identified money for the purchase of new green bins. We are told that it is essential that we participate in recycling, which is a good thing. However, if the council cannot meet the demands of the current pilot scheme then what chance have we with fortnightly collections? Fortnightly collections have shown serious flaws up and down the country and remain unworkable in many areas.

I have complained several times about the non-collection of green bins in the Harper Green pilot area and have never had an acceptable explanation. I was told once the green boxes were not emptied because of the weather, but on the same day my grey wheelie bin was emptied along with my white sack.

The Liberal-controlled council has to meet new statutory standards. If they fail to achieve targets set by the Government, there is the possibility of bringing in a Government team to manage recycling at the expense of the council tax payer.

I am deeply concerned about the council's lack of management of recycling. I don't see any signs of enthusiasm, only costly leaflets telling me what they intend to do.

On Saturday, I "sorted" my green box. It will now be redundant and I will take my stuff to my nearest recycling site in Salford because I have a car. I am not sure what those people will do who have no transport, but I am certain that more people will be dropping out of the scheme because of the unreliability of the council.

Cllr Carl Dennis

Harper Green Ward

Eskdale Grove

Farnworth