IN response to letters and comments regarding Poole’s green bins, I would like to clarify some points behind the decision.

The scheme originally was introduced in Poole in 2006 from money given by central government to keep green waste out of landfill and recycle it. In 2008, this funding ceased, leaving over two thirds of residents without the service but subsidising those who did.

The council cannot address this inequity and unfairness without introducing a charge.

Cuts of up to £18million are forecast over the next two to three years, putting real pressures on all services.

Ms Gifford, in her letter, suggests that residents ‘would have had some comments to make’ but doubts they would have been listened to.

In the summer, a consultation with local residents sought their views and comments on the service.

Over 90 per cent said they wanted a kerbside collection service and on a fortnightly basis and over 90 per cent believed it should be available to all Poole’s households.

This we are offering although we may not be able to accommodate the 60 per centwho do not want to pay for the service as we do not believe that the service should be subsidised by people who may not even have a garden.

True success is keeping green waste out of landfill, which is heavily taxed and very expensive for Poole’s taxpayers.

I would urge residents to either compost their green waste or register for the very good value for money kerbside collection service.

CLLR XENA DION, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Local Economy and Transportation.